Dussehra is one of the most popular festivals celebrated in India. The festival marks the victory of good over evil. In most parts of the country, the 10-day long celebration includes melas and Ramlila and Ravan Dahan on the final day.
However, this festival is celebrated in different ways in various regions of the country. Here are some of the most popular ones:
The most awaited time of the year among the Bengali community is Durga Puja. Goddess Durga is worshipped for 5 long days and on the day of Dussehra or Dashmi worshippers bid adieu to Maa Durga by immersing her idol into the water. Men and women play with vermillion (sindur khela) on this auspicious day and seek blessings from the Goddess.
Dussehra celebrations in Bastar, Chhattisgarh is a unique celebration of the local tribals. It has no connection with Lord Rama and instead is dedicated to a local goddess, Devi Maoli. It is one of the longest festivals in the world which runs for 75 days.
Mysore Dasara is a 400 year old celebration. The Mysore palace is lit during this festival and the royal family joins the procession with decorated elephants carrying the idol of the worshipped goddess down the streets of the royal palace.
Varanasi is one of the most popular pilgrimage places in India. The Ramlila performance in the city is now almost over 200 years old and takes place for a whole month every year. It starts with the incarnation of Lord Ram and ends with the demon king Ravana’s death.