7 Unique Dussehra Rituals You Should Travel Across India To See
Niharika has a passion for all things art, music, and travel and has over 4 years of experience in writing for social media. During her spare time, she likes experimenting in the kitchen, playing vide... read full bio
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India is a unique and diverse nation, and although Hindus make up at least 80% of India’s population, each state has it’s one unique and beautiful way of celebrating the much-awaited festival. Different parts of the country attach different meanings to the festival. For some people, it marks the end of their fast, and for others, it is the beginning of a vibrant display of fireworks at their local festivals. From burning effigies of Ravana to elephant processions and plays, there is much more to Dussehra than just praying. If you are in the mood to travel and explore the different festivals across our country, here are seven unique Dussehra rituals from around India:
1. Tribal Dussehra At Bastar, Chattisgarh
The Bastar district in the state of Chhattisgarh has a unique way of celebrating the festival of Dussehra. In this district, the celebration has nothing to do with the return of Lord Ram from Ayodhya. Instead, this Dussehra is wholly devoted to the local Goddess. The festival was first celebrated in the early 15th century, and it is considered as one of the most prolonged Dussehra celebrations as it runs seventy-five days long. While the locals wear bright and tribal traditional attires for the occasion, various rare rituals are performed, like, a girl swinging above a bed of thorns and a young man buried shoulder-deep in a pit for nine days.
2. The Oldest Ramlila Performance In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
https://images.indianexpress.com/2017/09/ramlila_expressarchive001759.jpg
Source: Indian Express
The world’s most ancient Ramlila performance, which has been running for nearly 200 years, is held in Ramnagar. Ramnagar is a small town located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. A performance of the various scenes in Ramayana is held across the town for over a month. The day of Dussehra is marked by Ram’s victory over the demon king Ravana. In the main square of the time, devotees will set fire to tall effigies of demons and cheer enthusiastically.
3. Dussehra In Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh
The Kullu Valley is renowned across the country for its entirely unique take on the Dussehra festival. Worshippers carry idols of their gods and goddesses from nearby villages on their heads. They are then brought to the grounds of the fair and led by the King of Kullu. Once they are on the grounds, they meet their main deity, Lord Raghunath. This fair has plenty of authentic handicrafts, rides, and ferris wheels, and a place where people enjoy folk music and dance. For approximately seven days, the valley will celebrate, and on the last day, the procession is taken to a river where a pile of grass and wood is set ablaze. This symbolizes the burning of Ravana’s Lanka.
4. Dasara In Mysore, Karnataka
In the town of Mysore in Karnataka, Dasara is a royal celebration that is celebrated on a grand scale for ten days. The festival honors the Goddess Chamundeshwari, who killed Mahishasura. The Goddess Chamundeshwari is a fierce version of the Goddess Shakti. The iconic Mysore Palace is illuminated with bright lights, and many cultural performances are held. On the final day, which is called Jamboo Safari, an elephant is dressed with a golden howdah. The elephant carries a heavy idol of the Goddess during the procession. There is also a Dasara exhibition that is held every year with a wide gamut of gastronomic treats, shopping options, joy rides, and much more. This annual Dasara exhibition is held annually and began in the year 1880.
5. Rural Fair for Dussehra In Kota, Rajasthan
The biggest highlight of this Dussehra celebration is the massive Mela (fair) with a proper rural feel to it. The villagers gather in traditional dresses to pay respect to Lord Rama and to celebrate his victory. Many artisans come to this mela to sell their wares, and there are plenty of cultural performances and programs. There is also a captivating procession from the fairgrounds to the Royal Palace. The procession features decorated camels, horses, elephants, and folk dancers. Don’t forget to stay back for the final event, where a seventy-five-foot tall statue of Ravana is set on fire.
6. Parade of Demons At Almora, Uttarakhand
On the streets of Almora in Uttarakhand, Dussehra is celebrated with much aplomb. The streets are taken over by a vibrant and motley assortment of various villains from The Ramayana. As people parade through the streets about town, the festival is celebrated with absolute glory.
7. Setting Giant Demon Effigies Ablaze At Mapusa, Goa
The nine-day festival of Navratri culminates in the festival of Dussehra on Sunday. This is seen as a celebration of good over evil. Both massive and tiny effigies of the demon king are burnt on Saturday night as Hindus around the state celebrate the festival. Hindus in the state observe a nine-day ceremony that involves ritual, fasting, and prayers. The Dussehra in Goa is called Dasro in Konkani and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. On the auspicious day of Mahanavmi, Hindus perform a ritual called Kanya Puja, which involves washing the feet of little girls and offering them gifts. These young girls are seen as the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
It’s incredible to see how different states celebrate this festival and how each state has its own unique traditions and ways of celebration. If you choose to travel or have traveled across the country to embrace the different traditions and customs, share your experiences in the comment section below!
