DUSSEHRA - Monday, 14 October 2013
Date : Monday, 14 October 2013
Venue : All Over India
Country : India
Category : Festivals In India 2013
Significance : Celebrating good over evil
Venue : All Over India
Country : India
Category : Festivals In India 2013
Significance : Celebrating good over evil
Dussehra Festival
One of the big festivals celebrated in most parts of India is Dussehra.
The festival is celebrated with zest and festivities as it also marks
the beginning of the winter season after the long, unbearable, hot
summer. Dussehra marks the victory of Ram over the demon king Ravana,
and the rescue of his wife Sita. In north India, gigantic effigies of
the ten-headed Ravana and his brothers are set aflame amidst bursting of
crackers. Fairs are usually held on this occasion with lots to eat, buy
and enjoy.
Dussehra means the Tenth Day, being the 10th day of the bright half of Ashvin. This day is also known as Vijayadashmi, or the Victory Tenth, because of the victory of Ram over Ravana.
Dussehra means the Tenth Day, being the 10th day of the bright half of Ashvin. This day is also known as Vijayadashmi, or the Victory Tenth, because of the victory of Ram over Ravana.
CELEBRATIONS
Dussehra is one of the significant Hindu festivals, celebrated with much
joy and happiness in the entire country. The occasion marks the triumph
of Lord Ram over Ravana, the victory of good over evil. Brilliantly
decorated tableaux and processions depicting various episodes from Ram's
life are taken out. On the tenth day, or the Vijayadasami, colossal
effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnad are placed in
vast open spaces. Actors dressed as Ram, his consort Sita, and brother
Lakshman arrive and shoot arrows of fire at these effigies, which are
stuffed with firecrackers. The result is a deafening blast, and an
explosion of sound and light enhanced by the shouts of merriment and
triumph of the spectators.
Also part of the celebration is the Ram Lila or the dramatic depiction of episodes from the lives of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. All the regions across the country have evolved their own distinctive style, and performances at different places are done in the local language.
RITUALS
As Dussehra is preceded by the Navratri or the nine days of the worship of Goddess Durga, some rituals related to the Goddess are also carried out that day. The rituals of Durga Puja involve the usual puja of goddess Durga along with Lord Ram.
Also part of the celebration is the Ram Lila or the dramatic depiction of episodes from the lives of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. All the regions across the country have evolved their own distinctive style, and performances at different places are done in the local language.
RITUALS
As Dussehra is preceded by the Navratri or the nine days of the worship of Goddess Durga, some rituals related to the Goddess are also carried out that day. The rituals of Durga Puja involve the usual puja of goddess Durga along with Lord Ram.
Ram Lila- Depicts A Legendary Story of Lord Rama
The highlight of Dussehra is Ram Lila. It is enacted for 10 days to mark
the 10-day battle fought between Rama and Ravana. Ram Lila is generally
held in large open grounds that come alive with brightly-lit stalls,
rickety giant wheels that might fall apart any minute but never do,
merry-go-rounds, brightly-painted manually run mini giant wheels with
bucket seats for children. All this is very reminiscent of a country
fair. Gigantic effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna and Meghnath are erected
on the fairgrounds. The grotesque and colourful effigies, generally
filled with crackers, are set ablaze on Dussehra, or the 10th day of Ram
Lila. Huge crowds gather around the burning effigies to enjoy the
spectacle. Children are especially delighted at the sight and shoot
arrows into the exploding effigies.
Ram Lila is generally held in the evenings, and year after year, people flock in huge numbers to watch the saga unfold, yet once again. In ancient times when it was considered demeaning for women to go up on stage, men performed the female roles. This still happens in most parts of India. Needless to say, the most effeminate and 'beautiful' boy is handpicked to enact the role of Sita.
Ram Lila is generally held in the evenings, and year after year, people flock in huge numbers to watch the saga unfold, yet once again. In ancient times when it was considered demeaning for women to go up on stage, men performed the female roles. This still happens in most parts of India. Needless to say, the most effeminate and 'beautiful' boy is handpicked to enact the role of Sita.
LEGENDS
On this day in Satyug, Ram (the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu),
killed the great demon and king of Lanka, Ravan, who had abducted Ram's
wife Sita. Ram, along, with his brother Lakshman, follower Hanuman, and
an army of monkeys fought a great battle for ten days to rescue his wife
Sita.
According to another story, Kautsa, the young son of Devdatt, a Brahmin, was living in the city of Paithan. After studying under the guidance of Rishi Varatantu, he insisted on his guru accepting a present, or gurudakshina. Initially the guru refused but later asked for 140 million gold coins, one hundred million for each of the subjects taught. The obedient student went to the King Raghu to ask for the money, as the king was renowned for his generosity. Within three days the king made the God of Wealth Kuber make a rain of gold coins near the shanu and apati trees. After giving the promised amount to the guru, Kautsa distributed the rest of the coins among the needy on the day of Dussehra. Even today, in Ayodhya, the capital of King Raghu, people loot the leaves of the apati trees and present to each other as sone or gold.
In ancient times kings used the feast of Dussehra to cross the frontier and fight against their neighboring kingdoms. This border crossing is known as seema ollanghan and Dussehra marked the beginning of the war season.
This was also the day to worship the weapons. According to legend, Arjuna, one of the Pandav princes, hid his weapons in a shami tree when the Pandavs were banished into the forests. After one year he returned from the forest and on the day of Dussehra, he retrieved his weapons and worshipped them along with the shami tree. Hence the custom of worshipping weapons on this day started.
According to another story, Kautsa, the young son of Devdatt, a Brahmin, was living in the city of Paithan. After studying under the guidance of Rishi Varatantu, he insisted on his guru accepting a present, or gurudakshina. Initially the guru refused but later asked for 140 million gold coins, one hundred million for each of the subjects taught. The obedient student went to the King Raghu to ask for the money, as the king was renowned for his generosity. Within three days the king made the God of Wealth Kuber make a rain of gold coins near the shanu and apati trees. After giving the promised amount to the guru, Kautsa distributed the rest of the coins among the needy on the day of Dussehra. Even today, in Ayodhya, the capital of King Raghu, people loot the leaves of the apati trees and present to each other as sone or gold.
In ancient times kings used the feast of Dussehra to cross the frontier and fight against their neighboring kingdoms. This border crossing is known as seema ollanghan and Dussehra marked the beginning of the war season.
This was also the day to worship the weapons. According to legend, Arjuna, one of the Pandav princes, hid his weapons in a shami tree when the Pandavs were banished into the forests. After one year he returned from the forest and on the day of Dussehra, he retrieved his weapons and worshipped them along with the shami tree. Hence the custom of worshipping weapons on this day started.
REGIONAL CELEBRATIONS
In north India the Dussehra celebration includes the Ram Lila that
consists of plays, recitations and music that recall the life of the
legendary hero, Ram. In Delhi, many amateur troupes perform Ram Lila
based on the epic story of Ramayana throughout the nine-day worship of
Goddess Durga. On the tenth day, elaborate processions lead to the Ram
Lila grounds where immense cracker-stuffed effigies of the demon Ravana
and his brother and son explode to the cheers of thousands of
spectators.
Kullu, a small town in Himachal Pradesh, is witness to unique Dussehra celebrations. Since the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Dussehra celebrations here begin three days after they do in the rest of India. On the first day of the festival, the idol of Raghunathji is mounted on a splendid rath (chariot), and pulled from its permanent place in the Dholpur maidan to another part of the meadow. Before beginning the auspicious ceremony of pulling the rath, the descendants of Ranjit Singh circle it and pray.
On the second day, a Devta Durbar (Council of Gods) is held, with Raghunathji presiding. On the last day of the festival, the chariot of Raghunathji is drawn amidst fanfare to the banks of the river Beas. Here a pile of wood and grass is set on fire to symbolize the burning of Lanka and five animals-a crab, a cock, a fish, a buffalo and a male goat are sacrificed. The people then immerse themselves in revelry. Lugri, the traditional Kullu drink, flows by the gallon.
In Tamil Nadu, the first three days are dedicated to the worship of Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, the next three days to Saraswati, Goddess of Learning and arts and the last three days to Shakti (Durga). In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, families decorate dolls (Bommai Kolu) and prepare an elaborate spread of lamps and flowers. Women traditionally exchange gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets. Vijayadasami is also considered an auspicious occasion for children to commence their education in classical dance and music, and to pay homage to their teachers.
In Mysore, it is celebrated with a pomp and pageantry reminiscent of medieval times. In Bengal and other parts of eastern India, Dussehra is celebrated as Durga Puja. Devotees wear new clothes and celebrate with music, dance and drama. On the last day, images of the warrior goddess are taken out in procession and immersed in a river or the sea.
Kullu, a small town in Himachal Pradesh, is witness to unique Dussehra celebrations. Since the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Dussehra celebrations here begin three days after they do in the rest of India. On the first day of the festival, the idol of Raghunathji is mounted on a splendid rath (chariot), and pulled from its permanent place in the Dholpur maidan to another part of the meadow. Before beginning the auspicious ceremony of pulling the rath, the descendants of Ranjit Singh circle it and pray.
On the second day, a Devta Durbar (Council of Gods) is held, with Raghunathji presiding. On the last day of the festival, the chariot of Raghunathji is drawn amidst fanfare to the banks of the river Beas. Here a pile of wood and grass is set on fire to symbolize the burning of Lanka and five animals-a crab, a cock, a fish, a buffalo and a male goat are sacrificed. The people then immerse themselves in revelry. Lugri, the traditional Kullu drink, flows by the gallon.
In Tamil Nadu, the first three days are dedicated to the worship of Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, the next three days to Saraswati, Goddess of Learning and arts and the last three days to Shakti (Durga). In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, families decorate dolls (Bommai Kolu) and prepare an elaborate spread of lamps and flowers. Women traditionally exchange gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets. Vijayadasami is also considered an auspicious occasion for children to commence their education in classical dance and music, and to pay homage to their teachers.
In Mysore, it is celebrated with a pomp and pageantry reminiscent of medieval times. In Bengal and other parts of eastern India, Dussehra is celebrated as Durga Puja. Devotees wear new clothes and celebrate with music, dance and drama. On the last day, images of the warrior goddess are taken out in procession and immersed in a river or the sea.
PLACES TO VISIT
Hinduism being the most widely followed religion of the country, most of
the Hindu festivals are celebrated all over the country. Almost every
part of the country has its own specific way of celebrating this day of
victory of good over evil. Be it Delhi, Haryana, Kullu and Mysore, one
is sure to find celebration and revelry combined with religious rituals
on this day.
Dussehra is a popular festival celebrated by Hindus all over India, albeit with different names. It is also known as Vijayadashmi ('Vijay' meaning 'victory' and 'Dashmi meaning 'tenth day), as it is believed that it was on this day that Lord Rama killed the demon-king, Ravana and rescued his abducted wife - Sita. In other words, it signifies the triumph of good over evil. The legendary triumph is reenacted to the day. In the northern parts of India, huge effigies of Ravana, his giant brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnath are placed in vast open grounds. Fireworks and crackers are placed inside the effigies.
Actors dressed as Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana enact the final moments of the battle, at the Ramlila ground. After the enactment of the climax of the war with Ravana, the character playing Rama shoots an arrow with a flaming tip at the effigies from a safe distance and the crowd bursts up in cheer, as the crackers catch fire. The enthusiasm and the cheers sometimes even drown the deafening blast. Merriment ensues, as people indulge themselves games, dance and music that are held at the fair.
Bengalis celebrate Dusshera as a part of their main festival - Durga Puja. This day marks the end of Durga Pooja celebrations, the preceding nine days being collectively referred to as 'Navratri'. Vijayadashmi is dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakti, who incarnated in the form of Goddess Durga, a combined manifestation of the divine energies of the Holy Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and all the other devatas, when they summoned her to kill the mighty demon known as Mahishasura and freed the world from his terror.
On Vijayadashmi, the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed into water, after the nine days of festivities. It is said that the people of the earth in the eastern state of West Bengal adopted Durga as their daughter and thus, she visits the home of her parents every year, during the last four days of Navratri, along with her sons Ganesha and Kartikeya, and daughters Lakshmi and Saraswati. She finally leaves for her husband's place on Vijayadashmi. Similar customs are seen in Orissa and Assam. In the North-eastern state of Tripura, huge fairs are conducted and effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkarna are burnts at Ramlila maidans.
In the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Vijayadashmi holds special significance. The day is considered auspicious for starting education or any form of art, such as dance and music. Saraswati Puja is conducted on the day, when the formal commencement of education of small kids takes place. It is called 'Vidya aarambham' (the beginning of Vidya, meaning education). In Karnataka (especially Mysore) and Andhra Pradesh, Dusshera is celebrated with fanfare. Huge processions can be witnessed in both the States. Although Dussehra is celebrated in different ways across India, the motive remains the same - to spread good cheer and celebrate the victory of good over the evil
Tags: Dussehra , Dussehra In India, Dussehra festival, Dussehra Tour, Tour To Dussehra In India
Dussehra is a popular festival celebrated by Hindus all over India, albeit with different names. It is also known as Vijayadashmi ('Vijay' meaning 'victory' and 'Dashmi meaning 'tenth day), as it is believed that it was on this day that Lord Rama killed the demon-king, Ravana and rescued his abducted wife - Sita. In other words, it signifies the triumph of good over evil. The legendary triumph is reenacted to the day. In the northern parts of India, huge effigies of Ravana, his giant brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnath are placed in vast open grounds. Fireworks and crackers are placed inside the effigies.
Actors dressed as Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana enact the final moments of the battle, at the Ramlila ground. After the enactment of the climax of the war with Ravana, the character playing Rama shoots an arrow with a flaming tip at the effigies from a safe distance and the crowd bursts up in cheer, as the crackers catch fire. The enthusiasm and the cheers sometimes even drown the deafening blast. Merriment ensues, as people indulge themselves games, dance and music that are held at the fair.
Bengalis celebrate Dusshera as a part of their main festival - Durga Puja. This day marks the end of Durga Pooja celebrations, the preceding nine days being collectively referred to as 'Navratri'. Vijayadashmi is dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakti, who incarnated in the form of Goddess Durga, a combined manifestation of the divine energies of the Holy Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and all the other devatas, when they summoned her to kill the mighty demon known as Mahishasura and freed the world from his terror.
On Vijayadashmi, the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed into water, after the nine days of festivities. It is said that the people of the earth in the eastern state of West Bengal adopted Durga as their daughter and thus, she visits the home of her parents every year, during the last four days of Navratri, along with her sons Ganesha and Kartikeya, and daughters Lakshmi and Saraswati. She finally leaves for her husband's place on Vijayadashmi. Similar customs are seen in Orissa and Assam. In the North-eastern state of Tripura, huge fairs are conducted and effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkarna are burnts at Ramlila maidans.
In the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Vijayadashmi holds special significance. The day is considered auspicious for starting education or any form of art, such as dance and music. Saraswati Puja is conducted on the day, when the formal commencement of education of small kids takes place. It is called 'Vidya aarambham' (the beginning of Vidya, meaning education). In Karnataka (especially Mysore) and Andhra Pradesh, Dusshera is celebrated with fanfare. Huge processions can be witnessed in both the States. Although Dussehra is celebrated in different ways across India, the motive remains the same - to spread good cheer and celebrate the victory of good over the evil
Tags: Dussehra , Dussehra In India, Dussehra festival, Dussehra Tour, Tour To Dussehra In India
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