Dussehra 2024
- Diwali, a.k.a. Festival of Lights, comes after Navratri and is the 10th day in the month of Kartik on a calendar used by Hindus. This divine occasion takes place in October 12, 2024.
What is the significance behind celebrating Dussehra?
- Dussehra is a vital Hindu celebration that marks the victory of Lord Rama against Ravana. Furthermore, it signifies the winning of Goddess Durga over demon Mahishasur, which consequently marks the end of Navratri.
- Known as Vijayadashami, Dussehra signified triumph over evil. This falls on tenth day in both Ashwin or Kartik months as per Indian calendar.
Dussehra is celebrated with immense adoration and joy, with people getting together to be a part of this festival.
- The Hindu tradition holds that Dussehra signifies Rama's triumph against Ravana, the demonic monarch.
- Throughout the nation, various pilgrim camps are established where statues representing Durga, Saraswati, Ganesha and Lakshmi are carried for submersion into nearby rivers or oceans.
- It marks a moment of profound respect and joyfulness symbolizing vanquishing of vice by virtue. Dussehra is an important festival for Hindus as it celebrates the victory of Rama over the demonic king Ravana.
- The country holds processions during which sculptures representing Durga, Saraswati, Ganesha and Lakshmi are moved to nearby rivers or oceans for immersion.
- This is a time characterized by reverence that indicates triumph of good over evil.
What are the ways in which people celebrate Dussehra?
- Across the country, there are various methods to mark the festival of Dussehra which goes by different names such as Vijayadashami.
- While some areas have public parades, others hold Ram Leela performances.
- In certain towns, Ravan Dahan rites are performed. Key components of this holiday are fireworks and food as well as colorful exhibits and fairs that can be observed all over India.
- Moreover, leading up to Dussehra, locals frequently perform the whole Ramayana epic for 10 days preceding the celebration. The festivities will last until the end of the Dussehra holidays in 2024.
Top 5 Places in India to Celebrate Dussehra
Mysore, Karnataka
This part of India is well known for its grand parade, which features a heavily adorned effigy of goddess Chamundeswari perched atop on a lavishly lavishly decorated elephant. The coarse region containing the palace with lights and the pompous pageantry makes for a truly magical ensemble.
Kolkata, West Bengal
Durga Puja in Kolkata before Dussehra is a colorful cultural event with fabulous idols of Goddess Durga worshiped with great zeal. The city is filled with elaborate pandals, temporary decorative structures that have their own unique theme.
Delhi, National Capital Territory
Dussehra celebrations in Delhi are defined by setting fire to effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna at different places across the city. Most famous event here is at Ramlila Maidan, which hosts a magnificent theatrical performance that narrates Ramayana story.
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Kullu's Dussehra is a week-long festivity marked with local deities paraded for public worship, which has earned it much reputation. Among the major attractions is the colorful Rath Yatra whose intricately decorated chariots attract many a pair of eyes.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi's Dussehra celebration is unlike any other, captivatingly so. The festival is famously celebrated as Ravan Podi or Ravan Vadh, during which effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna are filled with fireworks and set fire to at the banks of Ganga. This grand event is extremely spectacular and attracts many viewers who come to see this fireworks and join in spirit of festivities.
famous dussehra mela in india
Kota Dussehra Mela
Kota Dussehra Mela is one of the most colourful and popular festivals celebrated in Kota, Rajasthan. It mostly takes several days during the Dussehra festival, attracting large crowds who come from Kota and nearby areas.
Kota Dussehra Mela has some main attractions
- Burning of Effigies:- The burning of gigantic effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran brings this fair to a climax, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
- Cultural Programs:- These celebrations involve an important part played by folk songs, traditional dance performances and Rajasthani custom presentations.
- Fair Attractions:- Mela has different kinds of stalls selling local handicrafts, cloths, toys etc., food vendors, rides, games etc.
- Religious Importance:- As it relates much with the Hindu mythology and traditions hence many people come just to see these rites.
Kota Dussehra Mela is famous for its cheerful atmosphere that brings together native residents and visitors alike who are keen on acquainting themselves with Rajasthan's vast cultural heritage.