Dussehra Celebrations are dedicated to that day in history when ‘Lord Rama’ Defeated Demon King Ravana. On this very day (In the Past), Lord Rama successfully was able to diminish the stature of Ravana on the earth, thus freeing it from cruel practices of this demon. As this day is too auspicious on which win of good over bad took place, it is certainly a day to be celebrated. And after killing, Lord Rama met with her wife Devi Sita after long time as Ravana with help of wrong deeds, took her away from the Lord Rama. On this very day, Lord Rama decided to go back to their home, Ayodhya, which they have not visited for past 14 years, as they were in exile. Do read the story related to Dussehra in one of our article. Dussehra is also called with other name also, as Vijayadashmi too.
Now coming to the celebrations, we can say that, this day marks the beginning of one month in which people following the Hindu religion are indulge in massive celebrations. And why they shouldn't be, after all this is the major festival in India in the whole year. But Dussehra celebrations are not only restricted to India only, but all over the world.
One very common practice during this time is burning of effigies of Demon Ravana, Meghnath (Son of Ravana) and Kumbh Karan (brother of Ravana). All sorts of preparation for this day start from around 1 month before. Long statue of these three with help of paper and bamboo sticks are made, and crackers are fitted inside them. No plastic or other stuff is used in this, only biodegradable material. On the day of Dussehra, they are set on fire.
But Dussehra has different way of celebrations in India. While whole north India does, what is told above, in other parts of India, let’s say south they have other functions on this day. In states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, they consider this day auspicious for starting education and called as Vidya aarambham. In state of Karnataka huge celebrations and possession are carried out on street. On the other hand in West Bengal, this marks the end of the 9 day ‘Durga Puja’. During this day, after the final prayers, Maa Durga is immersed in water, and it is like a warm goodbye to the goddesses. So West Bengal is itself submerged in celebrations of this day. We can see that celebrations are different but all have joy and happiness inside it.
One thing which is of utmost importance and favorite among the all the age groups is to see Ramlila. Ramlila is a type of show which is carried that depicts the total story of Ramayana. It can be professional one also, and the crowd that turns out to see this is really something that anybody can’t miss. Special decoration and arrangement are done in order to provide people with the great experience of seeing it.
On the day Dussehra, people usually go to see ‘Mela’ (Fair) and then begins the fun. Different rides, eating sweets-chats-pani puri, talks etc are quite the part of these celebrations. People make different dishes on this day at their home too. Some of them are ‘Jalebi’ (Sweet), Burfi (Sweet) etc. And every region of India has different way making these dishes. Since during this day, it is a national holiday, people tend to celebrate it more. A family reunion etc is quite a common scene to be seen.