The newly found state of Chhattisgarh has a fairly large tribal population. These tribes have a distinctive cultural entity of their own. Their unique culture is best manifested in the festivals that they celebrate with a great deal of pomp and grandeur.

The Goncha Festival in Chhattisgarh is one such tribal festival that is marked by a lot of joy and merry making. It also showcases the inimitable tribal culture. If you can visit the district of Bastar in Chhattisgarh at the time of the Goncha Festival you will get the unique privilege to be a part of the festival that is truly one of its kind.

Description of the Goncha Festival in Chhattisgarh
The Goncha Festival is also popularly known as the Chariot Festival probably because it is celebrated at a time when the Hindus celebrate Rath Yatra. The vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment that marks the Goncha Festival in Chhattisgarh is remarkable. The zest and hearty spirit of the tribals from different parts of Bastar who participate in this festival is incredible.

There are several customs that are associated with this Chhattisgarh Festival. Goncha is actually a kind of fruit. The tribal people make a pistol using tukki or bamboo. As is evident, it is just a mock weapon that is constructed by them to follow the tradition of the tribe. The fruit Goncha is likewise used as a bullet.

They use the pistol and the bullet, actually a bamboo stick cut in the shape of a pistol and a fruit to strike each other. The intention is not to hurt each other but to just be a part of a mock encounter. It is a source of unlimited joy for them. They find it very thrilling and exciting. The fervor and gusto of the people of Chhattisgarh at the time of celebrating this festival is admirable. The celebration of Festivals like these brings to the forefront the ethnicity of this part of the country.

Time for celebrating the Goncha Festival in Chhattisgarh
The Goncha Festival is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar at the time of Rath Yatra. It generally falls in the month of July according to the Gregorian calendar. If you visit the state of Chhattisgarh at the time of the Goncha Festival, you can be a part of the festivities.

How to Reach
By Air -
Raipur is only centre to be linked up with an air network. Indian Airline connects the city with Delhi and Nagpur by regular flights.

By Rail -
Almost all the state is connected with good railway network internally as well as externally. Raipur and Bilaspur are the major railway stations connected to every part of the country.

By Road -
National Highways 6, 43, and 16 connect all the major cities of the state to other parts in the country like Bhubaneswar, Calcutta, and many places in the western India. There is a good internal road network in the state connecting all the major parts with the state capital.