Dussehra is a festival of reverence of good and its power to subdue evil. This exhilarating and inspiring festival is celebrated by Hindus across India and is known by different names across the country. It is also known as Vijayadashmi, according to Hindu mythology. It is believed that it was on this day that Lord Rama killed Ravana, the demon King of Lanka to rescue his beloved wife Sita, after cutting ten heads of Ravana, on the tenth day of the ensuing battle. Hence, to celebrate the day, colossal effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnath, filled with crackers and surrounded by fireworks, are burnt to signify the end of evil. Besides this, play enactments of Ramayana, known as Ram Leela are also preformed across India preceding Dussehra. These plays are based on the epic Ramayana, which describes the life saga of Lord Rama.
The festivities of Dussehra are celebrated for ten days in the month of Ashvin, or Ashwayuja as per the Hindu lunar calendar (September or October) from Shukla Paksha Pratipada, or the day after the new moon which falls in Bhadrapada, to Dashami, or the tenth day of Ashvin. The preceding nine days to Dussehra are collectively known as ‘Navratri’ and are dedicated to the worship of Mother Goddess, Shakti. For Bengalis, Dussehra a is part of their most important festival Durga Puja, wherein Goddess Durga, an incarnation of Mother Goddess, is revered with great religious fervor and on the day of Vijayadashmi, her idols are immersed in water with tremendous pomp and show. In southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the day (Dussehra) sees Saraswati Puja being organized in most households and education of small kids commences from this auspicious day onwards, which is known as ‘Vidya aarambham’. Mysore Dussehra is also known for its grandeur. Thus, the name or the way of celebrating this pious Hindu festival might be different across the country, but it celebrates the victory of good over evil all over.
The festival of Durga Puja is colored with devotional zeal, mythological legends, detailed rituals, extravagant pandals and magnificent tableaus of the divine Mother Goddess and her children. The ten-day festivities of Durga Puja provide one and all with a chance to spread festive cheer and wish their
Durga Puja Customs
A person can feel the true spirit of India, its culture, religion and history by being a part of the mesmerizing festivities of Durga Puja, which is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in Eastern India, especially in the state of West Bengal.
History of Durga Puja
The vivacious festival of Durga Puja resonates with the devotional fervor of the devotees of the Mother Goddess as it celebrates the “Shakti” (cosmic energy) in its various divine forms. Although it is indeed a significant Hindu religious festival, but it also marks a wonderful opportunity for people of various
Durga Puja Recipes
Any festival in India is incomplete without food. Whenever we talk of festival we think of the special dishes prepared for the occasion. Festival cooking is a part of all celebration. Durga Puja is also one of the festivals where special emphases on sweets are given.
The festival of Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence throughout India by the Hindu community. Also known as Vijayadashmi, this spectacular festival is celebrated on the tenth day of the month of Ashwin or Ashwayuja, as per the Hindu calendar.
Regional Significance of Dussehra
Dussehra is a widely celebrated festival of India and is prevalently known as Vijayadashmi. The exuberant and vibrant festivities of Dussehra are celebrated in many different ways across India based on the various regional and cultural legends attached with it, since India is a magical land of diversities.
Legends of Dussehra
Dussehra is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with pomp and show across India. This vibrant festival is celebrated right after nine day festivities of Navaratri. The day is also known as Vijayadashmi. Like most of the festivals celebrated in the mystical and spiritual land of India, the origins of Dussehra can also
Rituals on Dussehra
The festival of Dussehra brings with it joy and vivacity that begins nine days ahead of the actual festival in the form of Navratri festivities, which are dedicated to the worshipping of Goddess Durga. Though the pulsating festival of Dussehra seems like the culmination of Navratri or Durga Puja,
Significance of Navratri
India is known as the land of colorful, vibrant festivals across the world. Here, religion and spirituality are an inseparable part of the social as well as cultural fabric; thus, every festival celebrated by Indians has a deep meaning, reason and significance attached to it. The revelry, pomp and show are all joyful aspects
Navaratri is considered to be one of the most important festivals of India. It is celebrated through out the country but each region has its own speciality. Different varieties and special cuisine are made during Navratri celebration. Since in most of the communities, people observe fast during Navratri and eat only