Triumph over darkness with the brightness of purity. Vijaydashami, also known as Dussehra, celebrated on the 10th day of Navratra marks the victory of purity over evil, both symbolically and mythologically. It births prosperity, festivity painted with good health and well being, piousness in the atmosphere and an honour to every woman by revering the Goddess of power-Durga Ma. Every house marks it as the beginning of a prosperous today and tomorrow.
The amusing fact is that almost every Indian community celebrates it, but with its own ethnic touch. That is what brings the multicultural diversity to a traditional blend. The heterogenic traditions across the nation have their own style of commemorating this day.
We bring to you 10 different ways in which Navratra is celebrated in different states across India:
- Durga Pooja/Dussehra, West Bengal:
One can undoubtedly assert that Durga Pooja is indigenous to this state. The palatial colorful pandals each portraying its own theme and tales, Dhunuchi dance on the sonorous dhaak beats and the delicious & pious “bhogs” fills the City of Joy with an aura of dulcifying festivity.
- Kullu Dussehra, Himachal Pradesh :
Himachal Pradesh has its way of celebrating Navratra. All the 9 days of Navratra are celebrated with great enthusiasm and charm. The Dhalpur Maidan is turned into a resplendent hub for celebrations and worshipping Lord Raghunath. Religious processions are taken out by the villagers brightening the core of Kullu valley.
- Dussehra Mela, Kota:
Started by Maharaja Durjanshal Singh Hada in 1720 AD, the Dussehra Mela runs for 25 days straight offering costume themed acts, native performances, savoury local cuisines and majestic fireworks, filling the city with great vigour.
- Thiruvullakkavu Festival, Kerala:
Thiruvullakkavu Fest spans for 9 days straight with splendid festivities and worshipping of Goddess Durga, generally taking place at Thiruvullakkavu temple in Kerala. Goddess Saraswati is also worshipped. Students keep their books in front of the idol with offerings such as jaggery and roasted paddy. It is believed to be propitious for new academic, financial and professional ventures.
- Ahmedabad Dussehra (Garba Fest), Gujarat:
Gujarat has a very peculiar way of celebrating the Navratra, and that is by way of their traditional folk dance –Garba. People celebrate by performing Garba, using sticks. Men wear Kedias and women sport Lehenga Choli, native to the state of Gujarat.
- Ramleela, Ravan Dahan- North of India:
The states of UP,Bihar,Delhi, Madhya Pradesh all organise Ram Leela during the Navratra. In Ram Leela, different tales from Ramayana are enacted by the people each day. The celebrations are culminated on the 10th day by Ravan dahan i.e. burning an effigy of the Ravana.
- Mysore Dussehra, Mysore:
Mysore organises a grand celebration, to mark the victory of Maa Chamundeshwari by killing demon Mahishasura. Interestingly,this is how Mysore got its name. Dussehra in Mysore features zestful processions such as Jamboo sarvari- military parades, cultural performances and sports events. The Mysore Palace is heavily decorated and a Darbar is organised,visited by the members of the nobility and the masses.
- Ashwa Poojan, Rajasthan:
On the 9th day of Navratra, continuing the years old tradition of Shakti Parva, Ashwa Pujan is performed in Rajasthan to worship the horses which have been a symbol of power and dependence for the Rajputs. It is considered as one of the most important and grand ceremonies of Rajasthan.
- Golu Darbar, Tamil Nadu:
In Tamil Nadu, numbered wooden steps are constructed with each step symbolising each day of Navratra. This setup is known as Darbar. These steps are decorated with Chettiar dolls, Marapachi dolls, idols of gods, goddesses, heroes and saints dressed in colourful clothes. This style of presentation is called Golu. Indeed, a novel way of celebration.
- Bastar Dussehra, Chattisgarh:
The longest celebrated Dussehra in the country, Bastar Dussehra of Chattisgarh is a tribal way paying tribute to the Goddess Durga. The festivities start during the month of Shravan(Savan) on the 1st day of which new wood from forests is used to build chariots. This ritual is known as Pat Jatra.The events continue throughout the month including tribal folk dances, songs, performances and ethnic decorations. Dussehra is celebrated with pomp and show with Muria Darbar held by the Maharaj Darbar of Bastar,where he listens to the problems of the masses.
This blend of culture and traditions unifies our nation into one. It is the arts and artisans that bring these festivities to life. The craftsmen with their virtuoso arts and crafts enlighten our celebrations.
ARTSofINDIA.in acknowledges and salutes every effort of our rural Indian crafts men & women through its platform. Join hands with us this Dussehra, buy exclusive Made In India products from our empowered women at ARTSofINDIA.in
We wish you all a Happy and Prosperous Dussehra 2020.
