Dussehra Celebrations In India: The 10 Most Elegant Ways
- Lifestyle
Mridula Chakraborty- 0
- 13 minutes read
Today, it is Dussehra or Dasara or Vijaya Dashami as some people call it. It is the last day of the Navratri festival and therefore, holds an immense amount of importance in the heart of Indians. Dussehra celebrations are different all over the country. So, we decided to bring to the best of these celebrations that are unique, stellar, and worth watching. It would be a treat for you to read and know about how Dussehra is celebrated around the nation in different states and union territories in diverse ways.
10 Splendid Ways Dussehra Celebrations Take Place In India
Here is a list of ways in which Dussehra celebrations are held in various states and union territories of India. All of these are magnificent and absolutely worth knowing about. The grand decor and cultural integration are just amazing. Therefore, we would like it if you stroll your eyes through the below-mentioned list focused on states celebrating Dussehra in their own manner. Moreover, the Dussehra celebration images that we have provided will aid you in having a glimpse of the actual festivities.
1. West Bengal’s Grand Approach
Durga puja comes to an end with Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra, therefore, it is a grand observance in West Bengal as it is not just a festival for people three but literally an emotion. The state is adorned by huge pandals before even Navratri sets in. They then establish well-sculpted idols of Goddess Durga in them along with other deities such as Ganesh, Kartikeya, Laxmi, and Saraswati. People love to do ‘pandal hopping’ and even take the blessings of the goddess late at night. These pandals are decorated with utmost precision and have a distinct theme for each of them which is a treat for one’s eyes.
2. Dandiya And Garba In Gujarat
Gujarat is famous for its cuisine and culture all over the country. One of the parts of their culture is Dandiya Raas and Garba dance forms. This is how people take part in Dussehra celebrations in the state. They dance to Gujarati folk songs in the traditional manner to show their devotion to Goddess Durga. These celebrations bring everyone in the state together as no one can say ‘No’ to such a grand festival. Moreover, they dance all night on Dussehra and some even do it barefoot, which signifies one of the highest levels of dedication to the Goddess as well as the culture and heritage of the state.
3. Alluring Procession Of Lord Raghunath In Himachal
While the entire state of Himachal Pradesh celebrates Dussehra in a stunning manner, we would like to highlight the great procession of Lord Raghunath that takes place on this day in Kullu town. This holds a special mention due to the high level of enthusiasm that people in the state have. This festival is celebrated for 7 days and even villagers participate in it. They bring idols of gods and goddesses who are specific to their areas, and they believe in. The procession gives equal importance to all these deities. You will love the Dussehra celebration images here as it is one of the most unique Dussehra celebrations in India.
4. Mythological Ram Leela In Delhi
Dussehra is celebrated to signify the victory of Lord Ram over the Demon Ravana. Therefore, in Delhi, there are Ram Leela street or theatre plays that highlight how Lord Rama defeated Ravana and accomplished the belief of good wins over evil. Both adults and kids are a part of these Dussehra celebrations. This is a great way to observe this festivity and also teaches the young ones about our Golden Era concerning Lord Ram that they would not know about. In addition, people even consider fasting for 9 days of the Navratri festival. Also, like West Bengal, one can spot some stellar pandals in the National Capital of India.
5. A 7-Day Fast In Punjab For Worshipping Shakti
We all know that Lord Shiva is incomplete without Goddess Shakti and this is why worshipping her is equally important, isn’t it? That is what happens during Dussehra celebrations in the country. In the state of Punjab, people fast for the first seven days of Navratri and thereafter break it on the eighth day or Ashtami. During the fast, some of them also organise ‘Mata Ka Jagrata’ where they sing devotional songs all through the night without sleeping. After opening the fast on Ashtami, they arrange a ‘Bhandara’ for nine young girls (Kanjika), which is definitely the highlight of the festival.
6. Bowing Down To Goddesses In Tamil Nadu
The South Indian state of Tamil Nadu has one of the most distinct ways of going along with Dussehra celebrations that will be discussed in detail for sure. They celebrate it in a spiritual and religious manner by worshipping and bowing down to the Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Almost every house in the state organises a doll show that is based on these goddesses. In addition, married women invite each other to their houses and gift accessories that are considered to be matrimonial symbols (like sindoor or red sarees). Further, they offer auspicious things like coconut, money, or betel nuts.
7. Tamil Nadu’s Kulasekarapattinam Dasara
Tamil Nadu’s Dussehra celebrations are seriously over the top and require another special mention. Kulasekarapattinam Dasara is another way to celebrate Dussehra in the state and this festival goes on for 10 days. It is organised around the Mutharamman Temple. During this festivity, one can witness varied kinds of music, dance, and drama along with lively costumes and dresses in the area. A sight that one should not miss is ‘trance dance’ wherein people wear exceptional costumes to swing to the energetic beats of the Thara Thappattam. Such a sight is representative of the rich culture of Tamil Nadu where people enjoy every festival with all their hearts.
8. Ravan Dahan Utsav In Uttar Pradesh
Ravan Dahan is a popular way of celebrating Dussehra and is prominent in Uttar Pradesh though other states also perform it. The act is performed by burning a statue of Ravana by one who is dressed up as Lord Rama. Both adults and children might be given such an opportunity. Ravan Dahan is a part of the Dussehra celebration that is mostly conducted in the evening and before that Ram Leela plays are generally organised in different areas of the state. Ravan Dahan is mostly performed toward the end of the play. Along with Ravana, statues of Kumbhakaran and Meghnath are also assassinated sometimes.
9. Nature Worship In Chhattisgarh
Whatever we are is because of nature, therefore, the state of Chhattisgarh recognises Dussehra celebrations by worshipping nature. They worship the presiding deity or goddess of the state who they call Devi Danteshwari. The traditional rituals that are attributed to worshipping nature in the state are:
- Pata Jatra (worshipping wood and forests)
- Deri Gadhai (establishment of the holy Kalash)
- Kachan Gaadi (establishing the throne for Devi Kachan)
- Nisha Jatra (celebrations in the night)
- Muria Durbar (a meeting of tribal headmen)
- Ohadi (a holy farewell to gods)
You might ask why celebrate Dussehra in such a manner when you can worship gods in other ways. But this is the beauty of celebrating Dussehra in Chhattisgarh and we should respect their beliefs.
10. Carnival-Like Celebrations In Karnataka
Karnataka Dussehra celebration is in full swing and is observed in a carnival-like manner. These grand festivities take place in the peaceful settings around Coorg. It commemorates the royal history of the Haleri Kings in the region. This splendid festival is also known as Mariamma. People who participate in it often dance to folk songs to show devotion toward Draupadi. They even arrange a parade that would consider dramas in which people dress up as deities including gods, goddesses, and even demons. These grand celebrations are absolutely admirable. Ones who love serene weather and traditional festivities can visit Karnataka to witness this exorbitant Dussehra celebration.
An Auspicious Ending!
Dussehra celebrations in India are soothing to the eye and the traditional touch that every state and area adds to it is just commendable. Also, the varied ways of celebrations are what people who are new to the region would adore. It is one of the Indian festivals that holds great importance not just in one part but all over the country. Therefore, if there are people who do not know about it and ask questions like why celebrate Dussehra when there are festivals like Deepavali to acknowledge similar concepts then do tell them about the importance of it. Also, do share our article with them for further information.
