India, a country with eclectic cultural values and traditions, celebrates many festivals yearly. Amongst all festivals, Dussehra is considered the most important as it celebrates good over evil. Also known as Vijayasashmi, this festival holds special meaning for different people.
Some parts of India celebrate it as the end of their 9-day fasting, while many places witness grand celebrations. Some states of India celebrate Dusshera as the defeat of Ravana, while others celebrate it as the end of the demon Mahishasur. The celebrations in each Indian state may be unique, but the cultural richness and the grace are the significant aspects of each celebration.
This article will take you on an imaginary journey of importance and unique style of celebrations in different states of India.
Why Do We Celebrate Dussehra?
Dussehra, originated from the term “Dasha-hara,” which means remover of bad fate. The festival is celebrated for diverse reasons entrenched in Indian mythology and tradition. One prominent story about this festival is from the Ramayana when Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana, marking the triumph of good over evil. In some states, it is associated with the last day of Durga Puja, which rejoices in the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasur.
Both these celebrations gracefully interlace the rich tapestry of Indian mythology tales, where the moral is common. Ultimately, the festival also is a reminder for individuals to vanquish their immoralities and cherish kindness toward others.
Different Traditions Followed on Dussehra
The festival day looks vibrant across the nation, as individuals gather and enjoy. Many states set up Dashahara Melas, Ram Leelas, and other public events. Many people do Langar Sewa. However, some of the aspects remain common across the country, which are:
Navratri Fasting and Feasting
Many individuals observe the nine-day fasting that ends before Dussehra. Another surprising fact that many people say, is eating Jalebi and Fafra is good on Dussehra as these were the favorites of Lord Rama.
New Beginnings
The day is considered very auspicious; thus, many people commence new businesses and invest in markets. Many buy new vehicles and start new projects.
Exchange of Apta Leaves in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, people exchange “sonpatta”, or Apta leaves. These leaves are exchanged as gold with loved ones and symbolize prosperity in their relations.
Vijaya Dashami
Many people make their children’s admissions to school to start their education. The day of Vijay Dashami is considered very auspicious, especially in south India, and according to our ancestors, this is the best day for starting Vidhya.
Dussehra Celebrations Across India
Durga Puja in Bengal
For Bengalis, Durga Puja or Dussehra is a defining celebration. The occasion turns the state into a vibrant hive of activity. This festival holds great significance for the people of West Bengal, as it reflects their culture and identity. Over five days, extensive pandals are built, showcasing beautiful idols of Goddess Durga, Ganesh, Laxmi, and Saraswati, all of whom are worshipped with great devotion.
Kullu Dashahara
In Kullu, this festival is celebrated in a distinctive manner that lasts seven days. This does not involve the burning of Ravana’s effigies. Devotees participate in a magnificent procession, carrying the idols of different gods on their heads from their houses to greet Lord Raghunath (Lord Rama). Hundreds of deities are brought to the temple grounds, including Hadimba and Jamlu.
Additionally, there is a custom of lighting a pile of bushes, symbolizing the burning of Lanka, that enhances the distinctive celebrations.
Ram Leela in Northern India
In North India, the festival celebrations honor the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Temples look radiant, and the performance of Ram Leela is one of the festival’s highlights. At different locations, idols representing three demons—Ravana, Meghanad, and Kumbhakaran, are set ablaze, symbolizing the triumph of victory of good over bad.
Chhattisgarh Worships Nature
Chhattisgarh celebrates Dussehra in a more distinctive form. Here people honor nature, spirituality, and the state’s presiding deity, Devi Danteshwari. The celebrations include unique customs like pata jatra (worship of wood), deri gadhai (installation of a kalash), kachan gaadi (installation of a throne for Devi Kachan), nisha jatra (a night-time festival), muria durbar (a conference of tribal chieftains), and ohadi (farewell to deities) on the final day
Garba in Gujarat
Gujarat, a dynamic state, celebrates Dussehra as Navratri, Garba being the center of attraction. This famous folk dance is a key highlight of the festival, which brings people together to dance with colored sticks (dandiya) to traditional music. After worshipping Goddess Durga, the Garba festivities continue throughout the night. People dress in traditional attires, with women wearing lehenga cholis, and men in kedias.
Kulasekarapattinam Dasara of Tamil Nadu
Kulasekarapattinam Dasara of Tamil Nadu is a completely distinctive way to celebrate Dussehra. The festival brings the celebration to life over 10 colorful days. The celebrations, center around the the Mutharamman Temple, which is a hotspot for drama, music, dance, and a showcase of vibrant costumes. A standout feature of this celebration is the trance dance in which participants don unique costumes and sway to the upbeat beats of thara thappattam.
The celebrations and traditions may be different for Dussehra, but the theme is common, which is rejoicing in positivity, spirituality, and cultural roots.
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Naina Jaggi is an author deeply rooted in Journalism, mainly writing on lifestyle, entertainment, travel, politics and financial markets. This diverse experience has allowed her to blend rich details with engaging narratives that capture the essence of various worlds. When she is not crafting tales, you’ll find her immersed in music and enjoying the company of dogs. She is also into K-dramas, thriller and horror movies that fuel her imagination, bringing the same spark to her stories.
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