Dusshera, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated across India, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. However, what makes Dusshera unique is the diverse ways in which it is observed in different parts of the country. From the grand Ramlila performances in North India to the royal processions of Mysore and the spiritual rituals in West Bengal, the festival reflects the cultural diversity and the rich heritage of India. Let’s explore how different regions celebrate Dusshera.
North India: Ramlila and the Burning of Ravana
In North India, Dusshera is synonymous with the enactment of the epic Ramlila, which dramatizes the life and journey of Lord Ram, leading up to his victory over the demon king Ravana. The final day, Dusshera, marks the symbolic burning of towering effigies of Ravana, along with those of Meghnad and Kumbhkaran. The act of burning these effigies, witnessed by thousands, signifies the destruction of evil and the victory of righteousness. Cities like Delhi, Varanasi, and Ayodhya are particularly famous for their grand Ramlila performances and effigy burnings.
In Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, the Dusshera celebrations are particularly grand, with devotees gathering in large numbers to witness the culmination of the Ramlila and the ceremonial burning of Ravana’s effigy.
Kolkata and West Bengal: Shami Tree Rituals and Durga Puja
In West Bengal, Dusshera is intrinsically tied to Durga Puja, the celebration of Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The day of Dusshera, also known as Bijoya Dashami, marks the conclusion of Durga Puja. Devotees bid farewell to the goddess by immersing her idol in water, a ritual known as Visarjan. Before this, people embrace and share sweets, spreading a message of goodwill and peace.
An important part of the Dusshera celebration in Bengal is the Shami tree ritual, where the leaves of the tree are exchanged as a symbol of reconciliation and respect. The Shami tree, also known as Vijayadashami tree, holds a place of reverence in Hindu mythology and is believed to be the tree under which the Pandavas hid their weapons during their exile.
Mysore: The Grand Royal Procession
In Mysore, Karnataka, Dusshera, known as Mysore Dasara, is celebrated with regal grandeur, marking one of the most famous Dusshera celebrations in India. It is a 10-day festival that culminates with a grand procession on the streets of Mysore, featuring the royal family of Mysore. The highlight of the celebration is the Jumbo Savari, a parade of caparisoned elephants, led by the royal family, with the image of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the royal deity of Mysore, placed on a golden howdah.
The Mysore Palace is lit up with over 100,000 lights, creating a dazzling spectacle that attracts thousands of visitors from across the world. The royal procession and cultural performances that follow are an expression of Karnataka’s rich tradition and royal heritage.
Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Dussehra
The Kullu Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh is a week-long celebration that begins when most parts of India conclude their Dusshera festivities. This unique form of the festival celebrates not the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana, but the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya. The deities from different villages of the valley are brought in grand processions to the Raghunathji Temple in Kullu, where they pay homage to Lord Raghunath (Ram). The week-long festival concludes with the burning of a wooden structure resembling Lanka on the banks of the river Beas.
Gujarat: Vibrant Garba and Dandiya
In Gujarat, Dusshera is celebrated with a mix of devotion and dance. The 10-day festival begins with Navratri, during which devotees perform the Garba and Dandiya Raas to honor Goddess Durga. These energetic and colorful dances are performed in open spaces, with men and women dressed in traditional attire. While the festival is primarily focused on celebrating Navratri, Dusshera marks the end of the celebrations with the immersion of the idols of Durga and various cultural performances.
Tamil Nadu: Bommai Golu and Saraswati Puja
In Tamil Nadu, Dusshera is celebrated as part of the Navratri festivities, where the festival is known for the unique tradition of Bommai Golu. Golu involves the artistic arrangement of dolls and figurines that represent mythological scenes or everyday life. On Dusshera, the Golu displays are concluded with special prayers and the distribution of prasad. In addition to this, Saraswati Puja is performed, where children place their books before the goddess of learning and seek her blessings.
Maharashtra: Simollanghan and Apta Tree Rituals
In Maharashtra, Dusshera is celebrated with a mix of traditional and spiritual fervor. The day is marked by the Simollanghan ritual, where warriors in ancient times crossed the border (sima) to signify their readiness for battle. Today, the ritual is symbolic and signifies the crossing of obstacles to achieve success.
The Apta tree, or Shami tree, holds significance in Maharashtra as well, where its leaves are exchanged as a symbol of gold, signifying prosperity and good luck. This tradition has its roots in the legend of the Pandavas and the Mahabharata.
Conclusion: A Festival of Unity in Diversity
Dusshera is more than just a celebration of the victory of good over evil; it is a festival that binds the country together through its diverse forms of celebration. Whether it is the grand royal processions in Mysore, the emotional immersion of Durga idols in West Bengal, or the electrifying Garba in Gujarat, Dusshera showcases the beauty of India’s cultural diversity. Despite the regional variations, the core message of the festival—victory of righteousness over evil—remains the same across the country, making Dusshera one of India’s most unifying celebrations.
