Dussehra a major Indian festival, is part of the celebrations in the run-up to the biggest Hindu festival of lights - Diwali.
Celebrated on the 10th day of the Hindu month of Ashvin, late September - early October according to western one, it is also called ‘VijayDashmi’ - or tenth day celebration of victory. It is celebrated differently and for different reasons across the country and also finds a mention in both the epics of the Hindu mythology - Ramayan and Mahabharat.
The Legend
According to Hindu mythology, Shoorpnakha, the sister of Demon king Ravana, fell in love with Ram and Lakshman (Rama’s younger brother), and wanted to marry any one of them. After being refused by both, she threatened them to kill Ram’s wife Sita. Lakshaman, in anger, cut her ears and nose. This led to Ravana abducting Sita in order to avenge his sister. To rescue Sita, Ram and Lakshman fought a battle with Ravana in Lanka and this win is celebrated in the form of Dussehra every year.
Celebrations in North India - In the north, the story of Ram and his battle with the demon king Ravana is enacted in a series of plays during the nine days of Navratri and culminates in a grand celebration on the tenth day, i.e., Dussehra. Giant effigies of Ravana, and his brothers Meghnad and Kumbhkaran, are filled with crackers and set on fire for a magnificent show of fireworks. There are fetes and shopping festivals marking the official beginning of the Diwali festivities.
In Himachal Pradesh, The special feature of the ‘Kullu Dasara’ procession is the floats containing deities from different parts of the nearby regions.
Celebrations in South India - Dussehra is celebrated in a distinctive manner in the Southern part of India. On the day, toys and dolls, called Golu, are decorated in all the houses. The city of Mysore has traditionally been a major centre of ‘Dasara-Vijayadashami’ celebrations with the Mysore fort lit up and decorated in bright lights. Another tradition followed in this region is the worshipping of Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom.
Celebrations in West India - In Gujarat, both goddess Durga and god Rama are revered for their victory over evil. Fasting and prayers at temples are common. A regional dance called Dandiya Raas, that deploys colourfully decorated sticks, and Garba that is dancing in traditional dress is a part of the festivities through the night.
In Rajasthan too, both Durga and Rama have been celebrated on Vijayadashami, and it is a major festival for Rajput warriors.
Celebrations in East India - Here goddess Durga’s statues are worshipped for nine days of Navratri and taken in a grand procession to the sea on Dussehra for immersion. People distribute sweets and gifts, visit their friends and family members. Some communities such as those near Varanasi mark the eleventh day by visiting a Durga temple.
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