Dussehra also called as Dasara or Vijayadashami, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. The beauty of the festival is that it is celebrated for different reasons across the country. Different regions have distinct festive rituals that they follow. There are various stories that signify the celebration of Dussehra. But the main theme around which the festival revolves is the triumph of good over evil.
The festival is not only celebrated in India, but also in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. There are 2 main mythological beliefs leading to the origination of this festival.
The word Dussehra comes from a Sanskrit word “Dasha-Hara”, Dasha meaning Dashanan Ravan, and Hara meaning defeat. It marks the victory of Lord Rama over the 10 headed demon, Ravan. Lord Rama took blessings from Maa Durga and went on to defeat Ravan to rescue his wife Sita.
This festival also marks the victory of Maa Durga over Mahishasura, who was undefeatable by other Gods. She fought with him for 9 nights and was victorious in defeating the demon on the 10th. And so it is also called Vijayadashami, meaning victory on Dashami or the 10th day.
North India
In North India, plays depicting Ram Leela are conducted prior to Dussehra. People dress up as different characters of Ramayan and take part in the plays. On Dussehra, Ravan Dahan or burning of effigies of Ravan is carried out to mark the victory of Ram. Along with Ravan, his son Megnath and brother Kumbhakaran’s effigies are also burnt.
In Jammu Kashmir, people sow seeds of Barley on the 1st day of Navratri. Then on the day of Dussehra, men place the sprouts in their hats and caps as a symbol of good luck.
In Himachal Pradesh, Kullu Dussehra is celebrated. It starts on the day of Dussehra and goes on for the next seven days. Grand processions with various deities mounted on colourful palanquins are organised. The celebration attracts a lot of tourists. They come to enjoy the traditional folk music and dance during the fair and shop beautiful and authentic handicrafts.
Once Dussehra is over in the north, people begin cleaning up their homes in preparation for Diwali.
Gujarat
In Gujarat, Dussehra is celebrated after 9-day Navratra festivities. People gather in huge grounds dressed up in vibrant attires. After the aarti of Goddess, people begin playing garba or dandiya, which goes on all night.
West Bengal and Orissa
Vijayadashami is celebrated with grandiose in West Bengal in the form of Durga Puja. The state is decorated with bright lights and vibrant colours. On the fifth day, the statue of Maa Durga is established in beautiful and fascinating pandals. Durga Puja is performed on sashti, sapthami, ashtami, and navami followed by a great Puja on the tenth day. Women offer sindoor to each other and the Goddess. It is followed by visarjan of the Durga idols in the river on the final day.
Mysore
Dussehra in Mysore is celebrated with great extravagance at the Mysore Palace. The Palace is beautifully lit throughout the month. Grand processions on Golden Ambari (elephant-mounted throne) are carried out with idols of Goddess Chamundeshwari from the Palace across the city. Thousands of people come to view the spectacular procession and celebration.
Bangladesh and Nepal
Dussehra in Bangladesh is celebrated similarly to Bengal. Mandaps or Pandals with Maa Durga’s clay idols are set up, and Puja happens for 5 days. On the day of Vijayadashami, visarjan of idols is done in the river. Puja is performed with turmeric among other materials , which is added to the river to help the water yield better crops.
In Nepal, the festival is called as Dasain. It is celebrated with great zeal by all Nepalis, irrespective of their religion. On the eighth day, people sacrifice goats and offer the meat to the Goddess. A lot of foreign tourists visit Nepal to be a part of the celebration.
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