Dussehra is the culmination of Navaratis in India. Popularly known as
Vijayadashmi, Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm, all over India. It
is observed differently in different parts of the country, depending upon the
legend that is followed in each region. In North India, Ramlila forms the
highlight of Dusshera, while in south India, it is the triumph of Goddess Durga
over Mahishasura that is celebrated. Eastern state of West Bengal has its own
story connected to the festival, while in Mysore the concept of Shami tree is
centered. Learn about the celebrations of Dussehra in different parts of India,
by going through the following lines.
Dusshera Celebrations In India
In North India
Ramlila is the backbone of the celebration of Dusshera in northern India, where
the scenes from Rama's life are depicted, especially Bharat Milap, the reunion
of Rama with his brother Bharat, the destruction of Ravana (the highlight of
Dussehra) and the return of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita to Ayodhya, their kingdom
after fourteen years of exile. In Himachal Pradesh's Kulu valley, the very
ceremonial festivities and grand processions of the village deities of the hill
people marks Dussehra.
In Delhi and nearby states, oversized effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and
Kumbhkaran are burnt in Ramlila, a mela that is organized by different
committees, at huge grounds. It is a week long affair in the hill town of Kullu,
in Himachal Pradesh. Deities are brought in process to 'maidan' in Kullu, to pay
respect to the reigning deity of the place - Raghunathji. The huge procession
consists of more than hundred deities that are mounted on the colorful
palanquins. Ramlila is the next major attraction of Kullu Dusshera.
In South India
In Tamil Nadu, the nine days preceding Dussehra have been equally divided for
worshipping the three Goddesses namely Lakshmi (the first three days are
dedicated to the Goddess of wealth and prosperity), Saraswati (the next three
days are dedicated to the Goddess of learning and arts) and Durga (the last
three days are dedicated to Mother Goddess, Shakti). The women and children of
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka arrange small statues and dolls, known
as 'Bommai Kolu', on artificial steps and decorate the steps and the nearby
place with beautiful lamps and flowers.
From the very first day of the festival, songs and stories form a part of the
celebration and a dish made out of chickpeas known as 'choondal' is made for the
dolls as prasad to relish on. Vijayadashmi is the day when the Bommai Kolu is
taken down ceremoniously. On the day of Vijayadashami, vidya aarambh (vidyaarambam)
is observed. The day is considered very auspicious, especially for the children
to begin their education in academics as well as art. Saraswati puja is done on
Vijayadashami. A similar tradition can be seen in Kerala as well.
Mysore is famous for a gala procession of richly bedecked elephants on the
brightly lit streets of the city on Dussehra. In Mysore, effigies of Ravana,
Meghnath and Kumbhkaran are burnt. The Mysore palace is illuminated for a whole
month during the festive season of Dussehra. Caparisoned elephants lead a
colorful procession through the vibrantly decorated streets of the princely
city. In Andhra Pradesh, Dussehra is popularly referred to as Dasara.
In East India
In the eastern state of West Bengal, Vijayadashmi is celebrated as the victory
of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, the demon who ruled the swarglok and the
earth with his invincible power. It is the last day of the ten-day festival -
Durga Puja. On Vijayadashmi, the idol of Ma Durga is immersed in the nearby
river or lake ceremoniously, by the devotees. This is called visarjan
(submersion of diety). The idol is preceded by a huge procession of devotees. In
Orissa, the festival is called Vijoya Dashami. The day is considered the last
day of the Sharodiya Durga Puja. After offering the last ritual (Aparajita Puja)
to the Goddess, a tearful farewell is bid to her. The immersion of diety is
known as 'Bisarjan Jatra'. After immersing the idol, people in Orissa celebrate
'Ravan Podi', wherein the effigies of demon Ravana are burnt.
In West India
In Maharashtra, Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the Ashwin month, as
per the Shaka Hindu Calendar. On the last day of Navratri, that is Dussehra, the
idols installed on the first day of Navratri are immersed in water. Dussehra
marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. People celebrate the occasion with
fun and fervor. They visit their friends and relatives and exchange sweets.
Aapta tree is worshipped on this day. Exchange of leaves of aapta tree is
considered auspicious. The legend of Shami tree, under which the Pandavas of
Mahabharata stored their weapons during their 12 years of exile, is associated
with the celebrations. As per the legend, the weapons were retrieved by them on
this day. Dussehra is considered auspicious to start any new venture, according
to the Maharashtrians.
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