Across India, different cultures dedicate nine whole days to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, albeit differently. The stories behind the celebrations of Dussehra or Navaratri, are also varied: Rama’s victory over the 10-headed demon king Ravana, Durga’s slaying of demon Mahishasura after nine nights and 10 days of continuous battle, or Raja Jagat Singh penance.
Here’s a look at the different celebrations across the country:
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Parades, cultural performances, wrestling matches and fairs make up the state festival of Karnataka, which was started by the royal family of Mysuru — the Wodeyars — in 1610. On the tenth day, the idol of Chamundeshwari is paraded through the city on a caparisoned elephant, escorted by guards on horses, bands, dancers and armed forces, starting from the Mysuru Palace.
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The last six days of Navaratri are celebrated as Durga Puja in West Bengal. Elaborately decorated or themed pandals are erected with grand clay statues of Durga, and are open to the public. These pandals compete with each other with their themes, decorations and innovativeness. The celebrations also feature ritual drumming and dancing. On the 10th day, the idols are immersed in the river. Odisha’s celebrations are similar as well.
Kullu Dussehra
Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh begins its celebrations of the Kullu Dussehra when the rest of India winds up its celebrations. Beginning on the 10th day, the idol of Raghunath is paraded across the historic Dhalpur Maidan on a grand chariot. Over 250 local deities of the valley are assembled at the maidan for a week, during which a seven-day fair is hosted — with dance and theatre. Dussehra also marks the beginning of the International Folk Festival.
Vijayadasami
In south India, Navaratri celebrations focus on goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati and Durga. As part of the tradition, households set up Kolu — an arrangement of dolls on a temporary stair-like structure — for nine days. Families, friends and neighbours visit each others’ homes. The 10th day of this celebration is observed as Vijayadasami during which the god of learning and arts is worshipped. It is considered an auspicious day to begin formal education or start learning an art. Books and tools of trade are also worshipped on this day.
Navaratri
In Gujarat, the celebrations are synonymous with the folk dances of Garba and Dandiya-Raas. The dancers in colourful, traditional attires usually perform in circles to the beat of drums and songs. The dance moves imitate the fight between Durga and Mahishasura, and some depict the dance between Krishna and the Gopis.
Ramlila
The folk enactment of Rama’s life is a popular tradition during the 10 days. On the last day, the final battle between Rama and the demon king Ravana is staged and ends dramatically by setting a giant effigy of the demon king on fire. The most high-profile and the largest Ramlila celebration takes place at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.