Raipur
The historic Mata Mavali Mela of Orchha region of Narayanpur district, a symbol of folk culture, deva faith and tradition of Chhattisgarh, began with reverence and gaiety today. The five-day fair began with traditional worship-archana and Parghava (tradition of welcoming deities) at Mata Mavali temple. A grand procession was taken out with Dangai, Lath, Doli and Chhatra, as a symbol of local deities from nearby villages. Arriving at the fair site, the ritual of two and a half circumambulation was completed, in which devotees worshiped the deities with traditional customs.
Many local deities including Mata Mavali, Kot Gudin, Sheetla Mata, Kokodi Kareen, Telwadin Mata, Kankalin Mata, Sonkunwar, Bhimadev were given a grand welcome at the fair site. Devotees performed rituals in a close spirit with Sirha, priests and Gaata (traditional priest class). There is an atmosphere of faith and devotion throughout the fair.
Cultural programs will be organized every evening from 19 to 23 February 2025 in this historic fair. Bastar Sanskriti Group Lok Rang (Siddharth Mahajan) on 20 February, Anurag Sharma Star Night and Group on 21 February, Ras Parab & Group on 22 February, Mallakhamb Dance Academy and Nitin Dubey Super Star Night will be held on 22 February.
The Mavli fair is the biggest Lokotsav of this region, this time also its grandeur is being seen. Meena Bazaar at the fair site, various types of swing, daily use items shops, fancy markets, sweets shops are attracting people. A large number of villagers and tourists are enjoying the fair.
Strong arrangements for security, drinking water, electricity and parking have been ensured by the district administration at the Mavli fair. Police force has been deployed at the fair site. A sufficient number of drinking water tankers and temporary toilets have been arranged. High-power lights and generators have been installed in the entire fair area. Special parking zones for smooth traffic management and vehicles have been created.
Symbol of tribal culture, traditions and religious faith
The historic Mavli Mela to be held in Abujhmad region of Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh is a symbol of tribal culture, traditions and religious faith. This fair is associated with deep religious beliefs of the tribal society of Chhattisgarh. This fair is celebrated in honor of Mata Mavali Devi, which the local tribal communities consider their total goddess. The specialty of this fair is that devotees from different villages bring their deities to wooden palanquins and take out a grand procession (Jatra). During this time, devotees revolve around and worship Goddess Mavali.
This fair is believed to be part of the centuries -old tradition, in which people from Gond, Muria and other tribal communities collectively demonstrate their traditions. On this occasion, folk dances, sound of traditional instruments, rituals of rituals and reconciliation are seen. This fair is not only religious, but also an important medium to connect tribal society from social and cultural terms.