Chhatra Jatra or
Chatar Jatra or
Chatar Yatra are meant to celebrate the Vijaya utsav with cheerful heart and splendid display. The festival is being celebrated during the Mahastami of Durga puja festival. The ritual practice of
Khonds (Adivasis of Kalahandi Districts) Nabakalevar (the renewal of post-worship) is also performed during the festival.
Maa Manikeswari comes out from the
Garbhagriha on Mahastami mid night to
Jenakhal which is at about 3 km distance from the alma mater. The jatra starts with
Nagar Paribhramana on Mahanavami auspicious morning. A bamboo covered with black cloth represents
Maa Manikeswari in the jatra, and at the top on silver plate Dasamahavidya Yantra is installed which represents the Tantric Hinduism. To please
Maa Manikeswari, a tribal dance is performed, which is known as
Ghumura dance.
Ghumura is a traditional dance and a heritage of Kalahandi district. It is a dance performed with a traditional instrument
Ghumura Veer Badya. The dancers tie the
Ghumura (badya/instrument) on their shoulders and hang it tight on their chest. == Celebration ==