Millions of people across India are marking Dussehra, one of the country's most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, with processions, prayers, and the ceremonial burning of giant effigies to symbolize the triumph of good over evil. The festival is observed with different rituals and traditions across various parts of the country but features grand celebrations everywhere.
Significance of Dussehra
Dussehra commonly marks the deity Lord Ram's victory over the mythological 10-headed king Ravan. The festival coincides with Vijayadashami, celebrated in eastern, southern, and other parts of India, to honor goddess Durga slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
Festivities Across India
- Ahmedabad: Giant effigies of Ravan are brought out and burnt as part of the festivities.
- Noida: Ramlila, a theatrical performance based on the Hindu epic Ramayana, is performed during Dussehra celebrations.
- Delhi: Smaller Ravan effigies are a common sight at markets ahead of the Dussehra festivities.
- Bengaluru: People buy flowers, particularly marigolds, which symbolize the victory of good over evil.
Hindus follow a lunar calendar, and Dussehra falls on the 10th day after Navratri, a nine-night festival of worship and celebrations. In the days leading up to Dussehra in northern India, performers wear elaborate costumes and make-up to stage Ramlila, the dramatic retelling of the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana. They recount Lord Ram's exile and his wife Sita's abduction by Ravan, culminating in the battle that symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
