Vaidehi Bhargava
Dussehra, the vibrant festival symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, is fast approaching, and with it comes a kaleidoscope of celebrations across India. From the grand processions in Kullu to the royal pageantry in Mysore, each region adds its unique cultural flavor to this age-old festival. Let’s take a journey through the diverse ways Dussehra is celebrated across the country, showcasing the rich traditions and colorful festivities that make it a truly pan-Indian experience.
In the heart of every Indian festival lies the celebration of life, where faith, family, and festivities come together in perfect harmony. In India, every festival is a bridge connecting us to our roots, our beliefs, and to one another. Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a grand celebration of the eternal triumph of good over evil, deeply rooted in Hindu mythology.
India, known for its vibrant culture and diverse traditions, celebrates Dussehra with grandiosity across different regions, from the majestic hills of Himachal Pradesh to the royal city of Mysore. This festival showcases a colorful tapestry of customs, values, and local flavor.
Nestled amid the breathtaking landscape of the Himalayas, Kullu Dussehra offers a unique experience that stands apart from the rest of the country. Dussehra culminates in the burning of Ravan’s effigy, but Kullu celebrates this festival with a distinct spiritual fervor. The week-long celebrations begin on Vijayadashami when a procession of deities from surrounding villages is carried to Dhalpur Maidan. The presiding deity, Lord Raghunath, is at the heart of this procession, flanked by thousands of other deities. This event is not just a religious gathering but also a cultural carnival, with performances, folk dances, and fairs adding to the festive vibes. The key aspect of Kullu Dussehra is its deep connection to nature and divinity.
In stark contrast, Mysore Dussehra is known for its opulence and grandeur, a legacy that dates back to the era of the Wodeyar dynasty. This celebration seamlessly blends religious rituals with royal splendor, making it one of the most famous and widely attended Dussehra events in the country. The Mysore Palace becomes the epicenter of the celebration, adorned with thousands of lights, giving it an ethereal glow. A series of events unfold over ten days, culminating in the grand Jumbo Savari procession on Vijayadashami. Elephants, adorned in regal finery, carry the golden idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the royal family’s deity, through the city streets, accompanied by music and a parade of decorated horses and camels.
The cultural richness of Mysore Dussehra shines through in its variety of performances, from traditional Carnatic music to modern plays, art exhibitions, and wrestling matches. The festival symbolizes the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishasura, after whom the city is named. It is a journey through tradition and culture.
Both Kullu and Mysore offer a unique experience of Dussehra—one spiritual and serene, the other royal and majestic. Together, they demonstrate the diversity of India’s culture and landscape, and the myriad ways in which festivals reflect a region’s history, people, and beliefs. Dussehra is a reminder that no matter how long darkness reigns, the light of truth and righteousness will always rise to conquer.