Dussehra / Vijayadashmi Celebrations in India

Most of the Indians love festivals. Starting from decorations, dances, fireworks and food, we Indians delight in celebrating every aspect of festivals. Dussehra brings all these aspects together. Among many festivals that Indian celebrates, Dussehra is much celebrated festival throughout India. The central essence of the festival is “The triumph of Good over evil” remains the same.

When Dussehra celebrated?

Dussehra is a major Indian (Hindu) festival celebrated every ear at the end of NAVARATRI. Generally it is observed on the tenth day in Ashvin which is a Hindu calendar month and typically it falls in the Gregorian months of September and October.
Dussehra is called with different names in different parts in India. In south this festival is called as “Vijayadasami” mainly in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.

Why Dussehra Celebrated?

There are many references available for Why Hindus celebrates Dussehra, despite many following are the main references we consider.
According to Ramayana, Rama went to forest for 14 years along with Sita and Lakhmana. During that time Ravana who is a king of Lanka kidnapped Sita. To free her, Rama requested Ravana to release her but Ravana denied his request then situations became worse and led to the war. Rama won this war by killing Ravana. Dussehra marks the historic victory of lord Rama over the evil king of Lanka who is Ravana. In southern and western parts of India, people consider this reference to celebrate Dussehra.
In Eastern part of India, Vijayadasami or Dussehra is the celebration of famous Goddes Durga also known as Chamundeswari’s triumph over the invincible Buffalo king Mahishasura.

How Hindus Celebrates Dussehra?

From fasting and feasting to fireworks, Dussehra or Vijayadasami is celebrated in different ways in different parts of India. People of east do Gurga Puja. It is the biggest festival of West Bengal. Durga puja in West Bengal is once in a life time experience. Dussehra or vijayadasami in Mysore celebrates with much grandeur. During these 10 days of celebrations the most attraction is beautifully illuminated Mysore palace which is decorated with over one lakh bulbs and lit from 7pm to 10pm on every day of these ten days.
Dussehra in Gujarat generally called as Navaratri is celebrated with greatest enthusiasm; devotees fast through the day and perform pujas. In the evenings all devotees gather to play Garba and Dandiya.
To the People of North India, Navaratri is most significant festival and celebrates with most enthusiasm and grandeur. In Delhi during Dussehra we can see hundreds of special stages set up across the city for Ram Lila musicals enacted by theatre actors.
Likewise, in very state of India, people celebrates Dussehra with great enthusiasm and grandeur. The celebrations may different from place to place and region to region and the central essence of the festival “The triumph of Good over evil” will be experienced. Wish you Happy Dussehra!!
Dussehra / Vijayadashmi Celebrations in India