Dussehra is celebrated in every part of India; it is the occasion that arrives after the nine days of Navratri Festival in September/October. In many northern states of India, Ramleela also happens, and the tenth day puts an end to it since, on this day, Lord Rama defeats Ravana and kills him forever.
The tenth day is also celebrated to remember the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. The Goddess fought against the demon for nine days, and finally, on the tenth day, Maa Durga got victorious by slaying the demon.
Since there are different legends related to the tenth day, the celebration varies as per the region; however, the theme remains the same, which is the victory of good over evil.
The Celebration of Dussehra in Different Parts of India
In North India, as well as the western states of India, the celebration happens for the legend of Rama and Ravana. This is celebrated as the day on which Lord Rama slew Ravan and got victorious. Ravana was evil with ten heads, and hence the name “Dussehra.” Here Dus means Ten and Hara means defeat; the meaning becomes the defeat of the evil with ten heads.
Many dances, dramas, and musicals take place to celebrate the day, which keeps everyone entertained and enjoy the overall vibe.
People built the large statues of Ravana and his brother and son. They burn these statues on the evening of Dussehra in the remembrance of Sri Rama. They shoot these statues with fire arrows, and all the crackers also catch fire and pop, which are filled inside them.
Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal Pradesh, the queen of hills, people come from various corners to witness the celebration happening amidst the cold hills. In the Kullu region, people organize a large fair where thousands of million gather to enjoy their time during this celebration.
Southern India
People here call it Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra. Here the celebration happens for Maa Durga, who fought the battle against the demon for nine days and became victorious on the tenth day. Here Dashmi means tenth and Vijaya means victory, and hence the day is Vijaya Dashami.
The Mysore fort and all temples of maa Durga are decorated and adorned with lighting. The celebration includes lots of dancing, singing, fireworks, and more. The whole Mysore is lit up during the celebration.
In South India, they also worship Goddess Saraswati, which is the bestower of learning, music, singing, knowledge, and intelligence. People also worship their musical instruments and ask the Goddess for her blessings.
Maharashtra or Western India
Here the giant idols of Maa Durga are created and placed in the form of a temple from the first day. Every day, they adorn Maa Durga with a new dressing and new theme, which goes on for nine days. On the tenth day, these idols are then immersed into water bodies, and the final celebration happens.
In the culture of Gujarat, people believe in both legends related to Rama and Goddess Durga. Hence they celebrate the nine days and the tenth day in a grand manner remembering both God and Goddess.
People observe fast, and they visit the temples. Dandiya Raas and Garba are the popular dances in Gujarat that happen during Navratri and the tenth day. People wear colorful Garba dresses for the dance, and they buy decorative sticks to play Dandiya.
In Rajasthan, too, people recognize both Lord Rama and Goddess Durga and celebrate the entire duration for both of them.
Eastern India
In West Bengal, Dussehra is pronounced as Bijoya Doshi. Navaratri is celebrated a bit differently here. When all the people in the rest of India observe fast and restrain food, Bengalis go for some wonderful non-veg dishes.
The celebrity happens for nine days, and on the tenth day, the idols of the Goddess are immersed in water. “Sindoor-Khela” is a kind of celebration that happens here where the women greet each other by applying sindoor or vermillion to each other. This ritual happens once they greet Maa Durga with sindoor and sweets. After the immersion of the idol, younger ones take the blessings of their elders, and everyone enjoys different sweets.
Other than India, Nepal is another country where Dussehra is a major celebration. Here it is known as Dashain. On the day, relatives visit each other, and younger ones take the blessings of elderly people. Students also meet their teachers and get their blessings.
