Dussehra or Vijay Dashami is a festival celebrated to symbolise victory over evil. It is a major celebrated Hindu festival and the celebrations of it are spread to all households. The day is considered auspicious by Hindu Families. There are variations to the mythology behind the celebration of Dussehra.
Mythologies
Ram and Ravan Yudh (Photo: Gunwanti)
The Victory of Lord Ram over the demon Ravana as depicted by the epic Ramayana marks this day. On this day Ram was able to kill Ravana and rescue his wife Sita who had been abducted. It is believed that Ram derived his powers from Goddess Durga. This is the reason why many devotees celebrate the day by worshipping Goddess of ‘Shakti’ representing power, ability and courage. Many people perform Shanti Yagna for nine days to get rid of the bad qualities from the household.
Durga victory over Mahishasura
The victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura is also marked by Dussehra. The demon ‘Mahishasura’, in the form of buffalo, grew very powerful and created havoc on earth. All gods and devas combined their power or shakti into one goddess to kill Mahishasura. This is the reason why it is also called as Durgoutsav.
Celebrations
Dussehra
The celebrations are highlighted by three main symbols i. e. Bonfires and fireworks, burning the effigy of Ravana, Tilak or red mark on people’s forehead. The celebration of Dussehra in a country like India witnesses variations.
Northern India
Dussehra in North India
In places like Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand people sow barley seeds in earthen pots on the first day of Navratri. By Vijaydashami the sprouts of these seeds are considered as lucky and men of the house put it behind their ear as a ritual practise. In most of northern India, in the ten days of navratri and Dussehra, many plays and dramas are performed on Ramayana called as Ramlila. Large fairs, parades and fireworks are seen on the last day.
Ramlila in Kumaon (Photo: Stock Photos)
In the Kumaon region of Uttrakhand, the performance of Ramlila is unique in itself. The play is accompanied by musical deliverance of katha or story of the Ramayana. The Ramlila in Kumaon or Almora style has been recognised by the UNESCO in its report.
Southern India
Bommai Kolu (Photo: TRS Iyengar)
In Tamil Nadu, Navratri and Dussehra have been divided in worshipping three Goddess: Laxmi, Saraswati and Durga. The women and kids of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka indulge in a unique ritual of arranging small statues and dolls on artificial steps decorated by beautiful lamps and flowers. This is known as ‘Bommai Kolu’. The day of Vijaydashami is considered as auspicious for children to start with their education. Saraswati is worshipped on this day. A similar sort of tradition is also followed in Kerela.
Eastern India
Farewell of the Durga Idol into the water of River Hooghly (Photo: Dinodia Photot)
In places like West Bengal, people basically celebrate the victory of Goddess Durga. It is also accompanied by departure of Maa Durga and submersion of the deity in a nearby lake or river. The day marks the end of ten day joyous festival of Durga Puja. The idol is carried by large crowd. In Orrisa, after the bidding farewell to the goddess celebrate ‘Ravan Podi’ wherein the effigies of Ravana is burnt.
Western India
In Maharashtra, Dussehra is celebrated in a fun and frolic way. Apta tree is worshipped on this day. Exchange of leaves of this tree is considered as auspicious.
As per mythology, on this day the weapons of the Pandavas were retrieved on this day. This day is considered as very promising for a new start.
India is a country of diversities. So If you are a traveller and looking for a cultural experience, then Dussehra is a festival you should not miss. You can look for properties as per your own comforts from specialized accommodation website. It will provide you with best available options to make your trip more fruitful and enjoyable.
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