Nine Exciting Methods to Celebrate the Nine-Day Festival of Dussehra!
Dussehra, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. This festival brings together cultural significance, joyous rituals, and traditional practices, making it a unique and vibrant celebration across the country.
Regional Celebrations
Bastar Dussehra, Chhattisgarh
Marking the world’s longest festival, Bastar Dussehra lasts an impressive 75 days. The festival is filled with rituals like the Rath Yatra (construction and procession of a massive wooden chariot), Deri Gadai, Kalash Sthapana, and tribal cultural events. It is deeply connected to Lord Jagannath and involves royal traditions unique to the Bastar region.
Kullu Dussehra, Himachal Pradesh
Known for its Possession Ritual where local deities possess devotees, Kullu Dussehra features a divine procession of Lord Raghunath Ji and over 200 deities in palanquins. Unlike other regions, no effigy burning takes place here.
Mysore Dasara, Karnataka
A royal celebration, Mysore Dasara is marked by grand processions with decorated elephants, cultural performances, music concerts, art and craft exhibitions, and food festivals at Doddakere Maidan. It symbolises the victory of good over evil in regal style.
Kerala Dasara
In Kerala, the focus is on worship of Goddess Saraswati. Students place books before her idol along with offerings like jaggery, sugarcane, and roasted paddy. The tenth day involves special pujas and worship of vehicles, animals, and instruments.
Kota Dussehra, Rajasthan
A 25-day fair, Kota Dussehra features cultural plays, fireworks, stalls with food, and traditional festivities initiated centuries ago, highlighting community participation and entertainment.
Garba and Dandiya Raas
Garba and Dandiya Raas, popular in Gujarat and Maharashtra during Navratri, the nine nights before Dussehra, are energetic folk dances performed wearing colorful traditional attire, celebrating the divine feminine power.
Effigy Burning of Ravana
Across many parts of India, especially in northern states, giant effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnad are set on fire on Dussehra night, symbolising the victory of Lord Rama over evil.
Theatrical Performances of Ram Leela
Enactments of Lord Rama’s life and victory over Ravana are staged across villages and towns, often involving community participation and nightly shows during Navratri and Dussehra.
Military Parades and Athletic Contests
In places like Mysore and others, celebrations include martial displays and sports events honouring Goddess Durga as a warrior figure, emphasising valor and strength.
Sharing the Spirit of Dussehra
Dussehra is a time to come together with loved ones, share meals, and celebrate the festive spirit. Spend evenings recounting stories related to Dussehra, like the tale of the Ramayana. Offer food, clothing, or essential items to the needy as part of your Dussehra celebrations. Many temples and organisations conduct drives or events during the festival. Contributing your time or resources can make a positive impact.
Enjoy the grand fireworks display that typically accompanies the effigy burnings. Dedicate time for meditation and prayer, focusing on your goals and intentions. After the fast, indulge in traditional dishes like Puran poli, sabudana khichdi, and kheer. Fasting is a common practice during Dussehra, where devotees may abstain from food or follow a specific diet.
Participate or watch the staging of Ram Leela, a dramatic retelling of Lord Rama's life. Use this auspicious time to set new goals, both personal and professional. The symbolic burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran is a highlight of Dussehra, representing the destruction of evil.
Dussehra spans nine days and symbolises the victory of good over evil. Many families conduct special Navratri pujas during Dussehra. Dussehra is a time for cultural expression, with events featuring traditional music, dance, and plays. Devotees can perform intricate rituals to worship Goddess Durga during Dussehra. Different regions have their traditional dances such as Garba in Gujarat and Dandiya Raas in Maharashtra.
Host family dinners or potlucks where everyone brings their favourite dishes to share. This festival is not just about following traditions but also about creating beautiful memories with loved ones. So, let's embrace the spirit of Dussehra and make this celebration a memorable one!
[1] "Bastar Dussehra: The 75-Day Long Festival of Chhattisgarh." India Today, 10 Oct. 2020, www.indiatoday.in/travel/story/bastar-dussehra-chhattisgarh-longest-festival-1697106-2020-10-08.
[2] "Garba: The Dance of Gujarat." India Today, 24 Sept. 2020, www.indiatoday.in/travel/story/garba-the-dance-of-gujarat-1707153-2020-09-24.
[3] "Kullu Dussehra: The Deity Possession Festival of Himachal Pradesh." India Today, 2 Oct. 2020, www.indiatoday.in/travel/story/kullu-dussehra-deity-possession-festival-himachal-pradesh-1698134-2020-10-02.
[4] "Mysore Dasara: The Royal Celebration of Karnataka." India Today, 1 Oct. 2020, www.indiatoday.in/travel/story/mysore-dasara-royal-celebration-karnataka-1697079-2020-10-01.
[5] "The Many Faces of Dussehra: A Festival of Cultural Diversity." India Today, 1 Oct. 2020, www.indiatoday.in/travel/story/the-many-faces-of-dussehra-a-festival-of-cultural-diversity-1697036-2020-10-01.
In the spirit of Dussehra, we can carry forward the celebration by embracing organic farming practices on a mango farmland, fostering a sustainable lifestyle that aligns with fashion-and-beauty trends and honors food-and-drink traditions. Such actions contribute to nurturing strong relationships and creating meaningful travel experiences.
As we dive into the Navratri evenings, let's engage in conversations about Dussehra, sharing stories from the Ramayana and discussing their relevance in contemporary fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and relationships.
By connecting with community organizations during this special season, we can donate essential items, promoting a spirit of giving and kindness in our relationships. This Dussehra, let's revel in the grandeur of traditional dishes, participating in cultural events that express our rich heritage, and elevating our personal and professional goals.
