4 Different Ways Of Celebrating Dussehra In India
Dussehra finds special meaning in the lives of thousands across the country and even the world over.
Symbolic events and celebratory processions recreate the legendary stories, giving birth to new hope and a spirit of happiness and victory.
An interesting aspect to the festival is its vibrancy and its manifestation in different cultures and regions. Now, revel in the Dussehra festivities and celebrate in more than just one way!
1. Celebrations In Regal Style
An elephant dressed in elaborate attire, an entourage carrying the Goddess Chamundeshwari, the twinkling lights illuminating the royal Mysore Palace. These are amongst the most vivid excerpts from the celebrations that take place in Mysore. This procession, endearingly called the ‘Jumbo Savari’ makes its way from the regal premises of the palace to Banni Mantapa. The last four days witness the festivities at their peak, replete with the Mysore royal family making their presence felt.
2. When The City Of Joy Never Sleeps
Dussehra celebrations can barely be summed up without a mention of Kolkata. The festivities here kick-start in full swing, 5 days prior to Maha Dashami or Dussehra, to the extent of keeping locals awake. If you’re wondering, pandal-hopping in the wee hours of morning is for real. It’s a must-do activity when you’ve made it in time for the celebrations in the City of Joy. The final day is filled with activity on the grandly illuminated streets, with crowds eager to follow the procession of the goddess being led for immersion. Later, heartfelt greetings and invigorating music galore, people tuck into the comforting taste of warm rasogullas.
3. The End Is The Beginning
Wish the Dussehra celebrations would continue after the grand 10th day affair? There’s a place that actually brings in the festivities when the others are just wrapping up theirs. Head to Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley. This destination’s week-long celebrations beginning from the 10th day are amongst the best you’ll ever witness. Watch the epic Ram Lila, an event held every day of the activity-filled week; delight in the vibrancy of the local culture as the Gaddi shepherds show off traditional folk moves; and join in the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Raghunath to Dhalpur Maidan. The celebrations finally come to a close when a chariot holding thorn bushes is dragged to the River Beas. The bushes are then lit, symbolic of the burning Lanka in mythology.
4. The Oldest Ram Lila
Grand theatrics steal the limelight at the Varanasi celebrations and it’s no ordinary performance. Interestingly, the Ram Lila here has been staged since the 1800s, labeling it the oldest of its kind in the world. The event of enormous scale is held near the Ramnagar Fort. The vicinity near the fort itself is a walk back in time wherein locations like Lanka and Ayodhya are recreated to set the mood for the celebrations.
There are many more options to bring in the Dussehra festivities. Gear up for technology-backed theatrics and fireworks in Delhi, energetic garba leading up to the festival in Gujarat, and festive splurging on new cars and gold in Maharashtra! And above all, get festive-ready in fashion trends suited for the season. LIVA fashion brings you everything from ethnic kurtas, to skirts, to even fusion dresses, to have you looking your best. Trendy clothes crafted from organic cellulose fiber ensure optimal comfort and uncompromised style. Get your Dussehra fashion fix here.
Image courtesy – india.com, terraintravellers.com, tripoclan.com
