Navratri is a popular festival in India. The conclusion of Navratri every year is Vijayadashami or Dussehra. It is also referred to as Dashain, Dasara and Dussehra. It is known as a special occasion. Dussehra is generally celebrated as a day when Lord Rama, who is known as an avatar of Lord Vishnu, attained victory against King Ravana, who was the 10-headed Demon. Ravana kidnapped Sita, who was the wife of Lord Rama.
The term Dussehra is a Sanskrit term which can be derived as dasha, which means 10, and hara, which means defeat. Therefore, the original meaning of it is the defeat of the 10-headed Demon. This festival also means that God will always win over evil, which is generally observed during the month of September and October. Every year, it is observed on the 10th day of Ashvina. This is the time of the full moon, which is also known as bright Fortnite. As the festival has nine days, it is specifically known as Navratri, which ends on Dussehra. It is the 10th day of the Durga Puja, which is celebrated as the win of good over evil.
It marks the end of the Navratri festival, which is also popular as Vijayadashami. Every year, it is celebrated in a festive way. There are several rituals performed in different parts of the nation in different ways. So, let us take a look into some details of Dussehra and how the Dussehra festival is celebrated in different parts of India.
Table of Contents
History behind the Dussehra festival:
There are different mythological stories behind the Dussehra festival. In different parts of India, you will find different stories to be told by the legends. In some parts of the nation, Dussehra or Vijayadashami is a significant day when Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura, who was a Demon. This is a festival when the nine different avatars of Goddess Durga are celebrated and worshipped in the nine days of Navratri. On the 10th day, Goddess Durga is immersed in water by the devotees, depicting her departure from this world to the other.
In South India, the Dussehra festival is majorly celebrated in Karnataka and Mysore. It is celebrated when Chamudeshwari, who is known as an avatar of Goddess Durga, fought against Demon Mahishasura and was killed after a long battle. During these days and the entire days of Navratri, the entire city remains illuminated and beautifully decorated. Different parts of the state remain illuminated with colourful lights, and the entire city looks beautiful. Apart from this, there are many places where parents or position takes place. Especially in the South, the elephant position is carried into the entire city.
Coming to the north Indian side, the Dussehra festival is generally celebrated as the day when Lord Rama killed the 10-headed Demon – king, Ravana. According to Hindu mythology, King Ravana used to reside in Lanka. He kidnapped Sita, who was the wife of Lord Rama. Ravana was known as a Great Monk who used to meditate. Due to his meditation, Lord Brahma gave him the power of being indestructible. However, Lord Rama, who was known as a part of Lord Vishnu and the seventh incarnation, had a battle against King Ravana, where he used his bow and arrow to shoot directly on his belly. This killed him. Henceforth, Dussehra is celebrated on the day when Rama successfully killed Ravana and showcased that there is always a triumph of good over evil.
What is the significance of the Dussehra festival?
As you have checked the different versions of Dussehra in different parts of India, it is easy to understand that Dussehra is all about helping people understand that God will always win over evil. This festival is a major significance and celebration of good. It says that people with a wrong mentality or wrongdoing will eventually have to give up on their karma.
It says that even when evil will compel you to take the wrong step, it is always important to have faith in truth and the right aspects. Remember that when you’re right, you will always win. Additionally, Dussehra is one of the best times for people to start new businesses or make investments. In different states of South India, small children and people generally choose this time of the year to take the right step.
Celebration of Dussehra festival:
There is no denying the fact that Dussehra is known to be a distinguished festival for Hindus in different parts of India. It is celebrated in a different manner, but Dussehra is generally celebrated after the ninth day of Navratri. It is a major celebration that takes place. Different states of India celebrate it in a different manner. But the celebration is off, enjoying the good over evil.
In this section, we will take a look at the way Dussehra is celebrated in different parts of India.
- West Bengal: Dussehra festival or Durga Puja in West Bengal is known throughout the world. It is one of the main aspects of this part of India. This festival has been celebrated since times and has transformed the entire state into a hub. It holds great significance to every citizen who is residing in this place. He will also be able to find amazing Dussehra rangoli in this state. Different pandals are created in different themes with mesmerising idols of Goddess Durga, along with her four children. The entire Puja is celebrated for nine days, and the excitement among people is at its height. Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is the last day of Durga Puja. When Goddess Durga is immersed in water to let her go, it becomes a sad thing for the residents.
- Gujarat: People in Gujarat celebrate Dussehra in a very colourful manner. It is a colourful state, and Garba is one of the prime aspects of this festival, especially in this state. Garba is known as the folk dance of this place. The major attraction is Garba, which brings people close to each other and helps them to Dance together with multi-coloured sticks on folk songs. It is played throughout the night, where men and women wear ethnic attire.
- Himachal Pradesh: Dussehra is also celebrated in Kullu, which is in Himachal Pradesh. It has a special significance as all the people in Kullu celebrate this with immense excitement. There is a unique way of celebration, which lasts for seven days. Residents of Himachal warship Raghunath on Dhalpur Maidan. Villagers from the nearby places. Also, bring the statues of different goddesses and gods to this ground in a position. The entire Valley celebrates the joy for the entire week.
- Delhi: When it comes to celebrating Dussehra, most students write Happy Dussehra to their favourite teachers and students. Apart from this, in Delhi, Dussehra is celebrated as the defeat of Ravana. The temples in different parts of the state are properly decorated, and Ramleela is conducted, which appeals to the residents of the city. The idols of demons, including Kumbhkaran, Meghnad and Ravana, are set on fire in different parts of this state. Watching Ramleela in a theatrical manner provides a great experience and helps students learn its significance.
- Punjab: The Punjab is another state where the Dussehra festival is celebrated in a massive manner. It is celebrated as Durga Puja. People of Punjab worship Goddess Shakti in the seven days. There are several arrangements of Jagrata where devotees sing for the entire night. On the eighth day of Navratri, They finally break the fasting and organise Bhandara with nine little girls. Dussehra Rangoli is also made in different parts as a part of this festival.
- Uttar Pradesh: Different parts of Uttar Pradesh celebrate the Dussehra festival in different ways by setting the Ravana statue on fire. The prime depiction is the victory of good over evil. In some of the major cities like Kanpur, Lucknow and Varanasi, Ramleela is most commonly performed in a grand way, which attracts residents of the cities. Actors generally style themselves in the attire of Hanuman, Laxman, Lord Rama, along with Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbh Karan by making use of audiovisual devices.
You can simply wish your beloved people and relatives by writing happy Dussehra or happy Vijayadashami on this day. As it is marked as the end of Navratri, where Goddess Durga was able to defeat Mahishasura and Lord Rama defeated the 10-headed Demon Ravana, it is important that you wish on this special day.
Conclusion:
So this is everything about Dussehra. Dussehra has immense significance in mythology because of its stories. Whether it is in West Bengal, Punjab, Delhi, or any other state in India, Dussehra is a great time of the year. The entire nine days in Navratri is celebrated throughout in different manner with lights and colours. Undeniably, the festival is incomplete without proper rituals.
This is known as a prominent and the most auspicious time of the year. This is why you will also find great Dussehra movies showing up. As people in India believe that it is a good time or a happy time, it is marked as a great way of celebrating success, good and strength.