Top 5 Places Dussehra Celebrations India This Hindu festival commemorates the killing by God Rama (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) of Ravana (an evil king from Sri Lanka). In order to seek her blessings for a good harvest season, the festival is followed by nine days of Navratri celebration in which Goddess Durga is worshipped.
Ravana kidnapped Sita, the consort of Lord Rama, when they were in exile, according to Hindu mythology. Lord Rama not only killed Ravana, but also created an indelible justification to celebrate his triumph as a day of Dussehra for the Hindu devotees. Huge effigies are made for the celebration of Dussehra, which are later burnt to ashes as a sign of the defeat of the wicked. These effigies are produced and burned all over the country; prayers are also offered and plays are performed both in Rajasthan and across the country as part of the celebration.
In Kota, Rajasthan, the large size of the effigies of the ten-headed Ravana, Kumbhkarna (the brother of Ravana), and Meghnath (the son of Ravana) make the celebration of Dussehra exceptional. The effigies are about 75 feet in height, which makes them India’s largest. A fair is also held around the Dussehra festival in Kota, where artisans come from all over the state. Apart from Kota, with all the pomp and show, Jaipur also celebrates Dussehra.
Dussehra & Vijayadashami Origin | Significance
The word Dussehra refers to the killing of 10 headed demon Ravana, and thus Dussehra literally implies the removal and removal of 10 sins. Some of the Dussehra rituals are planned to get rid of the individual’s 10 human weaknesses as well as bad qualities. These poor qualities, which are also due to the demon Ravana ‘s 10 heads, are as following –
- Kama Vasana – काम वासना (lust)
- Krodha – क्रोध (anger)
- Moha – मोह (attraction)
- Lobha – लोभ (greed)
- Mada – मद (over pride)
- Matsara – मत्सर (jealousy)
- Swartha – स्वार्थ (selfishness)
- Anyaya- अन्याय (injustice)
- Amanavata – अमानवता (cruelty)
- Ahankara – अहङ्कार (ego)
The four Dashamis in the Hindu calendar are very significant. Dashami Tithi during Ashwin month is one of them and it is known as Vijayadashami i.e. the tenth day which bestows victory. It is highly probable that, because of the triumph of Lord Rama over the mighty demon Ravana, the day got its name. It is important to note that on the 10th day of Ashwin month, the killing of 10 headed demon Ravana may be more than a coincidence.
1. Kota, Rajasthan
Located on the banks of the Chambal River, Kota celebrates iniquitous celebrations. In any case, the mela of Dussehra bears an unmistakable interest out and out. In the midst of this festival, the whole area is boasting and alluring. This celebration is praised worldwide, but Kota Dussehra is very unique because it is something other than the beginning of a bubbly season.
On Dussehra day, in excess of 75 foot high depictions of the devils Ravana, Kumbhakarana and Meghnad are sung to symbolise the victory of good finished malevolence. These images are usually filled with wafers. To fire a bolt of flame at Ravana, a youthful tyke dressed as Lord Ram is made to sing the gigantic figure. Villagers gather here to give supplications to Lord Rama and to commend his victory over Ravana, wearing multi-shaded garments.
2. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ahmedabad’s Dussehra is a scene straight out of a movie. The colourful folk dances, the vibrant Garba that you can participate in, the colourful lights that adorn the city, make the Dussehra experience truly dream-like in the city.
The festival is celebrated here as ‘Navratra‘ and days and nights are marked by the performance of aarti around the Goddess Shakti statue, Goddess Durga prayer offerings and the popular Garba folk dance.
So, get your ‘Kedias‘ and ‘Lehenga-cholis’ ready the next time you are here during Dussehra and immerse yourself in the contagious energy that during the festival sweeps over the area.
3. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Dussehra in Kullu is marked by the famous Kullu Valley festival. The festival is a great opportunity and consists of different performances of dance and music that showcase different local traditions. With bright colours, the entire Kullu Valley is shown and you can observe a massive procession carrying idols of gods and goddesses to the main ground for the festival. The festival ends with the very popular Lankadahan performance on the side of the Beas River, which can not be skipped at any cost!
Kullu Dussehra, attracting more than 4-5 lakhs from various parts of the globe, was also granted the status of ‘International Festival’ by the State Government. In Kullu, the experience of celebrating Dussehra is truly one you will remember for a lifetime.
4. Mysuru, Karnataka
Dussehra or ‘Dasara‘ is celebrated with great enthusiasm and vigour in Mysuru, as it is alternatively known. The legend in the city is that Goddess Chamundeshwari (also called Durgaa) killed the demon Mahishasura on this auspicious day.
Until now, on the day of Dasara, the Goddess’ courage and bravery are recalled and celebrated. Often military parades, sporting events and cultural performances are showcased for this reason. The legacy of the royal tradition is carried forward and the Mysuru Palace is grandly decorated and the rulers, locals and visitors visit the Durbar there.
The ‘Jumbo Savari’ is carried out in the busy streets of the city on the final day of the festival, and you will spot an elaborately dressed elephant with a golden howdah, bearing the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. It’s a sight you ‘d definitely not want to miss!
5. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
A town known for its unusual mix of spirituality, tourism and culture, Varanasi brings all these elements to life every year during the Dussehra celebrations. Navratri brings with it numerous events in Ramlila, the largest being held in Ramnagar.
The audience is greatly amused by these lively activities, as they outline a 200-year-old Ramayana tradition on the stage. Local actors typically play the different characters in the location and whole villages prepare the trials with great unity and an enthusiastic enthusiasm. Every year, over a million pilgrims arrive for Ramlila ‘s massive processions and performances. Spiritual visits to temples are also a perfect way to reconnect with yourself during the auspicious time of Dussehra and with the spiritual spirit of the region.