Festivals of Kalahandi are rich in nature as the place is a melting point of South Odisha and Western Odisha. Kalahandi, a district of Odisha, shelters a substantial tribal population residing both in hills and plain land. It is a place where people of different cultures, traditions, languages and beliefs live together. The mixture of Aryan and tribal culture also makes this district rich in its culture and festivals. Saivaism, Vaishanivism and Shakti puja too inspired Kalahandi in pre-independence period. As a result, a number of festivals are celebrated here with great pomp and grandeur. Some of the popular festivals of Kalahandi are as follows-
Dasra- Dasara, also called Durga Puja, is one of the popular festivals in the region. Goddess Durga is known as Shaki (Energy) and most of the goddess based on tribal and Shaki is inspired from goddess Durga. The main goddess of Kalahandi including Mnikeswari, Lankeswari, Denteswari, Khameswari, Bhandargharen etc. are seen as a reflection of goddess Durga. Notable festivals such as Chhatar Jatra, Kkandabasha, Budharaja Jatra etc. are celebrated during Dusra.
Rathajatra- Rathjatra festival is inspired from Rathajatra in Puri. Lord Jaggannath is worshipped during this festival.
Diel- Also called Deepawali or Diwali, Diel is another popular festival in Kalahandi. This festival is gaining popularity owing to immigrant business community mainly from Marwadi community.
Nuakhai- The festival of Nuakhai is inspired from harvesting of new crops. As per history, it came from tribal people. But now irrespective of caste, creed and religion, the festival is celebrated by all. According to tribal culture, there are many kinds of Nuakhai out of which Dhan (Rice) Nuakhai is most popularly celebrated.
Chhatar Jatra- Chhatar Jatra is one of the most popular festivals of Manikeswari at Bhawanipatna. It is celebrated during the months of September–October.
Khandabasap- The festival is celebrated in Junagarh in the Lankeswari Temple.
Amnuan- This is Nuakhai celebration for Mango.
Kalahandi Utsav- Kalahandi Utsav is organized in areas like Bhawanipatna and Dharamgarh.
Pusparab- Also known as Puspuni and Cherchera, it is celebrated throughout Western Odisha.
Shivaratri, Holi, Janmastami, Ramnabami, Chaitra, Bhejinta, Pojinta, Sasti Osha, Janhi Osha, Beljatra, Bihanchhina, Poel Uansh, Kandulnuan, Seminuan, Dumernuan, Kendunuan, Pora Uansh and Nagbom are some of the other festivals of Kalahandi.
