Dussehra across different parts of India

A kaleidoscope of local traditions and heritage

Culture

Tourism

October 11, 2024

/ By / New Delhi

Dussehra across different parts of India

Ramlila is performed across northern India during the festival of Dussehra (MIG Photos)

Dussehra is a festival of great significance to Hindu culture, while it symbolises the triumph of good over evil; each region has its own unique rituals and customs that reflect local culture and heritage. This vibrant diversity makes Dussehra a fascinating study of India's regional identities and shared values.

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In a country as diverse as India, there is no single way to celebrate a festival, nor is there a uniform folklore attached to its significance. Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, exemplifies this rich diversity in history, traditions and rituals practiced across the country.

While the festival is celebrated differently in different parts of India, its central theme remains consistent, the triumph of good over evil.

Here are some distinctive ways Dussehra in India

Bastar Dussehra

(Photo: Ministry of Tourism Incredible India)

Bastar Dussehra connotes to the supreme power of goddess Danteswari (Photo: Ministry of Tourism Incredible India)

Bastar Dussehra, also known as Jagdalpur Dussehra, celebrated in Chhattisgarh is renowned to be the longest, unique and one of the most vibrant celebrations of Dussehra. The festival begins on the day of new moon in the month of Ashwin, according to the Hindu calendar, corresponding roughly to September-October as per Gregorian calendar, and goes on for over 75 days before finally concluding on Vijayadashami, or Dussehra.

While the festivities during the Bastar Dussehra do not commemorate Lord Rama, a Hindu deity, or his victory over demon Ravana, but pay homage to local deity Goddess Danteshwari Devi. Some other tribal groups worship other gods and goddess, inspired by nature. Every year the erstwhile royal family of Bastar organises festivities for the locals.

Each year the streets of Jagdalpur, a small town about 300 km southeast of state capital Raipur, come alive with folk music, drums and laughter, chants and rituals as thousands of devotees arrive from all parts of Chhattisgarh and rest of the country in their bright, colourful and traditional attires.

As part of the festivities, a grand two-tiered chariot, crafted and adorned by skilled local artisans is drawn through the streets by almost 400 people. The final 10 days of the festival are a spectacular showcase of vibrant tribal rituals, culminating in the Pushp Rath Parikrama and the Bheetar Raini celebrations, which mark the climax of the celebrations.

Over the years, the festival has stayed true to its tribal roots and traditions making it a truly unique experience for visitors.

Kullu Dussehra

(Photo: Ministry of Tourism Incredible India)

According to Hindu mythology, Kullu Valley is regarded as the cradle of all humankind (Photo: Ministry of Tourism Incredible India)

Celebrated in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Kullu Dussehra festivities begin on Vijayadashami, unlike in other parts of the country where celebrations conclude on this day. Instead, the Kullu Dussehra lasts for about a week, showcasing a unique cultural tapestry of rituals and events.

For the festival, devotees carry idols of gods and goddesses from nearby villages on their heads to the fairground, where the idol of Lord Raghunath is installed. The highlight of the celebration is the grand ‘Rath Yatra’. In this vibrant parade, the idol of Lord Raghunath, adorned in exquisite clothing and jewellery, is placed in a magnificent hand-pulled wooden chariot. As the chariot makes its way through the valley, folk dancers and singers perform, creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.

During the Rath Yatra, various government departments, sports clubs, NGOs and local marts set up exhibitions for visitors.  On the last day of the festival, a pile of word and grass are set on fire near the Beas River, symbolising the burning of Lanka, Ravana’s Kingdom.

Kulasekarapattinam Dasara

Kulasekarapattinam Dasara celebrated between September and October (Photo: Tamil Nadu Tourism)

Kulasekarapattinam Dasara is celebrated at the 300-year-old Arulmigu Mutharamman Devi Temple located in the Kulasekarapattinam village about 650 km south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The village turns into an artwork of vibrant colours for 12 days as millions of devotees visit dressed in magnificent costumes portraying different celestial deities, such as goddess Kali amongst others, kings, monkeys and beggars.

During the festival, devotees participate in grand processions of Goddess Mutharamman rested upon various vahanams or vehicles and follow viradham or fasting to maintain the purity of body, mind and soul.

The festival concludes with grand spectacle portraying the defeat of Mahishasura is a deceitful, shape-shifting demon by deity Mutharamman on the shores of pf the village at midnight. The ritual is known as Soorasamharam.

Mysuru Dasara

(Photo: Ministry of Tourism Incredible India)

Mysuru Dasara is an example of the multicultural ethos of India (Photo: Ministry of Tourism Incredible India)

The traditions of this Mysore Dasara, dating back to the 16th century are centred on the lore of Goddess Chamundeshwari, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, of the Chamunda Hills defeating Mahishasura, a buffalo-headed demon.

The event is so significant to the city’s identity that even its name “Mysore” is derived from ‘Mahishsur’, which translates to the town of Mahishasura in Kannada. During the festival, the entire city is adorned with colourful lights and decorations, important landmarks like the Mysore Palace are illuminated by thousands of lights, with cultural programmes and performances showcasing the rich heritage of Karnataka, food festivals and sporting events organised on the palace grounds. In Mysore, the festival also signifies a day of victory of the King and his subjects.

Three magnificent parades held during the festivities are the main attractions for visitors. The first procession features the worship of the royal sword, accompanied by dancing, singing, and performances that celebrate the occasion. On Vijayadashami, or the 10th and final day, two grand parades take place. The first, known as the Jamboo Savari, showcases the participation of the armed forces, with the highlight being the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari placed on a golden seat atop an elephant. The final procession, called the ‘Torchlight Parade’, occurs in the evening and symbolises the conclusion of the celebrations.

Ramlila

Ramlila, literally “Rama's play”, is a performance of then Ramayana epic

Ramlila, literally “Rama’s play”, is a performance of then Ramayana epic (MIG Photos)

In Delhi and many other parts of North and Central India, Dussehra is a vibrant celebration marked by the dramatic burning of grand effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakaran and his son Meghnad on Vijayadashmi. Thousands gather in the streets to witness this enchanting display, making it a memorable highlight of the festival.

However, the festivities begin well in advance, with lively carnivals and public performances of Ramlila, a dramatic retelling of Lord Rama’s epic battle against the demon king. These performances are held over several days leading up to Vijayadashmi, and are organised by numerous cultural groups.

As the city prepares for the festival, it bursts into a tapestry of lights and colours, accompanied by various rituals and traditions. The celebrations commemorate Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana, culminating in the spectacular burning of the effigies symbolising the destruction of evil forces.

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