ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE | FESTIVAL
Article Published on: 12TH OCT 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. It marks the victory of good over evil, symbolized through the tales of Lord Rama’s triumph over the demon king Ravana, and Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin (which typically falls in September or October), Dussehra follows the nine-day festival of Navaratri and is a precursor to Diwali, the festival of lights. The festival has profound spiritual significance, a rich cultural heritage, and is observed with great zeal across the country, albeit in different forms and rituals.
The Mythological Origins of Dussehra
Dussehra’s significance stems from two main mythological stories. In northern and western India, the festival is primarily linked to the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, wages war against the demon king Ravana to rescue his wife, Sita. Ravana, the ten-headed ruler of Lanka, abducted Sita, leading to the famous battle between the forces of good (Rama) and evil (Ravana). Dussehra marks the day when Rama kills Ravana, and his victory symbolizes the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness).
In eastern and northeastern India, Dussehra is celebrated as the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, a demon who terrorized the gods and humanity. After a prolonged battle that lasted nine days, Durga, an embodiment of divine feminine power, defeated the demon on the tenth day. This victory is commemorated in Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and other regions as Durga Puja, culminating on the day of Vijayadashami, when clay idols of the goddess are immersed in rivers or oceans.
These two distinct mythological traditions reflect the festival's pan-Indian appeal, with each region emphasizing the story most relevant to its culture and beliefs.
Dussehra Celebrations Across India
Dussehra is celebrated with a variety of customs, traditions, and regional nuances, reflecting India’s rich cultural diversity. Despite the differences in rituals, the underlying message of good triumphing over evil remains universal.
1. North India: Ramlila and the Burning of Ravana's Effigies
In northern India, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh, Dussehra is synonymous with Ramlila—the dramatic enactment of the Ramayana. These performances, which have been a part of India's cultural landscape for centuries, depict various episodes from Rama's life, culminating in the final battle with Ravana. The Ramlila plays, often staged in open-air theaters or community grounds, involve vibrant costumes, music, and elaborate sets, bringing the epic to life.
On the day of Dussehra, effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghnath are set ablaze in large public gatherings, symbolizing the destruction of evil. The burning effigies, often towering over 30 feet high, are filled with fireworks that explode dramatically, much to the delight of the crowd. The sight of Ravana’s effigy burning, with firecrackers lighting up the night sky, is one of the most iconic images of Dussehra in northern India.
2. West Bengal: Durga Puja
In West Bengal, Dussehra is the final day of Durga Puja, a festival that celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. For Bengalis, Durga Puja is more than a religious event; it is a grand cultural extravaganza that involves artistic displays, music, dance, and feasting. Elaborate pandals (temporary structures) are set up to house stunning clay idols of Goddess Durga, along with her children—Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya.
The last day of Durga Puja, known as Vijayadashami, is a poignant occasion as the idols are carried in processions to rivers or the sea for immersion, signifying the goddess’s return to her celestial abode. The ritual of Sindoor Khela, where married women smear each other with vermilion, is also a prominent part of the celebrations. The immersion processions, accompanied by drums, dancing, and chanting, are an emotional farewell to the goddess, with prayers for her return the following year.
3. South India: Kolu and Worship of Tools
In the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, Dussehra is celebrated with a unique tradition known as Kolu or Golu. Homes and temples display artistic arrangements of dolls, typically depicting scenes from mythology, daily life, and nature. These doll displays are passed down through generations and are often a creative expression of the household.
In Karnataka, Dussehra is synonymous with the grand Mysore Dussehra, a royal celebration that dates back over 400 years. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of lights, and a grand procession featuring the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) is carried on a golden throne atop an elephant. Cultural performances, fairs, and exhibitions add to the festive atmosphere, making it one of the most popular Dussehra celebrations in South India.
In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Vijayadashami is also considered auspicious for starting new ventures, education, and learning. Many schools initiate children into education through a ritual known as Vidyarambham. In parts of southern India, people also celebrate Ayudha Puja, where tools, vehicles, and instruments are cleaned and worshipped, recognizing the divine in everyday objects.
4. Western India: Navratri and Garba
In Gujarat and Maharashtra, Dussehra is preceded by the nine nights of Navratri, which are marked by vibrant folk dances, including Garba and Dandiya Raas. These dance forms are a significant part of the cultural fabric of the region, with communities coming together to celebrate with music, dance, and traditional attire.
On Dussehra day, in Gujarat, the focus shifts to prayers for victory and prosperity, with devotees visiting temples and offering special prayers. In Maharashtra, Seema Avalanghan is a unique tradition where people symbolically cross boundaries to conquer new territories, signifying the expansion of their personal and professional domains.
5. Eastern and Northeastern India: Devotion and Immersion
In Odisha, Assam, and Bihar, Dussehra coincides with Durga Puja, where the immersion of Durga idols in water marks the conclusion of the festival. In these regions, Dussehra also holds agricultural significance, as it falls at the time of harvest. Rituals dedicated to the goddess ensure a bountiful crop, and prayers are offered for the prosperity of the land.
Symbolism and Contemporary Relevance
Dussehra holds profound symbolism in contemporary times. The festival is not just a reminder of ancient mythological tales but a metaphor for the eternal battle between good and evil that exists in human society. In a world fraught with challenges like injustice, inequality, corruption, and violence, the message of Dussehra resonates deeply. It inspires people to confront the demons within and around them, encouraging the triumph of virtue, justice, and truth.
The burning of Ravana’s effigy can be seen as a metaphorical act of vanquishing one’s inner vices, such as greed, ego, anger, and lust. Dussehra serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, righteousness will eventually prevail.
Conclusion
Dussehra is not merely a festival of religious observance but a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage, diversity, and enduring values. Whether it is the grand Ramlilas of the north, the artistic displays of Durga Puja in the east, the cultural vibrancy of Mysore in the south, or the lively Garba of Gujarat, the festival brings people together in a spirit of unity and celebration. Its message of the victory of good over evil transcends regional boundaries, making Dussehra a festival of universal appeal and relevance.