India is a land of festivals. The harmony of different cultures and traditions is best experienced during festivals in the country. One can experience ‘Unity in diversity’ during Dussehra celebrations that take place in every state of the country. The festival is a triumph of good over evil and of light over darkness. Also known as Vijayadashami, Dasara, Durgotsav, the tenth day of Navratri is not only celebrated in India but also in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The day marks the victory of Goddess Durga over demon Mahishasura, with whom she fought for nine nights. The day also marks the victory over the demon king Ravana. The entire country, from North to South, dons a celebratory look. Whichever part of the country you are in you will experience a different Dussehra altogether. Here’s how Dussehra is celebrated in different parts of the country.
# MaharashtraIn Maharashtra, people visit their closed ones, greet each other and exchange gifts. There is also a tradition of exchanging leaves of Aapta tree, symbolising gold that aims to bring prosperity. The festival marks the beginning of Winter and hence special delicacies are prepared to make the immune system strong. Maharashtrians also consider the day auspicious and tends to start new ventures or buy new house, gadgets or vehicles. In the evening, effigies of Ravana are also burnt to celebrate the victory of Lord Rama over demon-king Ravana.
# DelhiIndia’s capital celebrates the festival marking Ram’s victory and demon-king Ravana’s defeat. The main cultural event in Delhi is Ram Leela, held in the evening followed by the burning of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran, and Meghnad. Not to forget the beautiful firework. Religious songs are played or recited. The temples of Lord Rama are decorated with flowers and lamps.
# MysoreDasara as they call it is the most spectacular Dussehra celebration in India. One can experience the 400-year-old Dussehra celebration at the Mysore Palace. The royal heritage is decorated with over 1,00,000 lights between 7 pm and 10 pm and is a royal treat to the eyes. Not to forget the richly embellished elephants and gastronomic tour the city offers. The celebration ends with a procession carrying an idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the one who killed demon Mahishasura, adorning lavish accessories. The procession starts from the historic Mysore Palace and ends at the Banni Mantapa accompanied by a torch-light parade.
# KeralaIn Kerala, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped. Students wrap their books and keep it in front of Goddess Saraswati’s idol along with sugarcane, jaggery, and roasted paddy, for two days. On Vijayadashami, a special puja is organised and it is only after the puja the books are taken back. On this day, instruments, domestic animals, and vehicles are worshipped. The people here celebrate Dussehra with a focus on initiating education.