#WATCH | Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh | Superintendent of Police (SP) of Bastar district, Shalabh Kumar Sinha, says, "The festival holds immense historical importance for the entire region, drawing tourists from far and wide. Residents from the interior villages bring their respective deities and stay in Jagdalpur throughout the festival to fully experience the celebrations. This year, following the end of Naxalite influence, there was a remarkably high level of participation. People traveled from previously Naxal-affected areas—including Bijapur, Sukma, and the Abujhmad region of Narayanpur—bringing their deities along. Reports indicate that participants arrived from approximately 50 villages that were previously inaccessible, preventing such participation in the past. The large crowds seen on the roads and at the festival venues clearly demonstrate the immense enthusiasm among the people for Bastar Dussehra following the elimination of Naxalism. Furthermore, a significant number of tourists—arriving from other districts, various states, and even from abroad—have come to enjoy the Bastar Dussehra festival this year" (22.10)