India is the only country in the world where a festival is celebrated in different ways. India is a country of festivals where different religions and traditions grow together. Festival of one religion is celebrated with full enthusiasm by people of other religion and class. Many a times, festival of Hindus is celebrated with different names in different areas. As per the scriptures, the actual name of Dussehra is Vijaya Dashmi. At some places in the scriptures, it is also denoted as Aprajita.

Vijaya Dashmi festival in North India

Dussehra or Vijaya Dashmi is of mythological significance for North India. According to the ancient story, Vijaya Dashmi is celebrated as a symbol of lord wining over demon. In this fight, kings like Dashrath, Janak and Rishi Shonak protected deities from devils

Then, lord Ram, son of king Dashrath, killed Ravan (king of demons) and rescued Mata Sita from his imprisonment. To celebrate this joy, occasion of Vijaya Dashmi is celebrated.

Vijaya Dashmi Durga Puja in Bengal

Vijaya Dashmi is celebrated in a new form. This festival is specially celebrated in Bengal. Durga Puja is considered as the major festival of Bengal. Durga Puja is celebrated with full faith and devotion for 5 days, in whole of Bengal. Special Pandal and Jahaki of goddess Durga can be seen during this time.

Idol of other god and goddess is also made together with goddess Durga. The view of making and decorating the idols as well as immersing the idol in water is very adorable. Having a sight of Neelkanth(Jay) bird is considered auspicious on the day of Vijaya Dashmi. A special Puja is organised on Dashmi. Sindoor is applied among each other and people play with Sindoor.

Vijaya Dashmi and Garba in Gujarat

Vijay Dashmi is celebrated in a special manner in Gujarat. From the first day of Navatri, dance named Garba is begun. In this dance,specially the unmarried girls place a decorated pitcher on their head. With time, this dance has achieved much popularity.

Garbha dance has crossed the boundaries of Gujarat and now it can be seen in big cities and public places. In short, Garbha dance is the magnificence of Gujarat. After the Pujan and Aarti of goddess Durga, Dandiya is organised for the whole night. In this dance, men and women hold two small decorated sticks. They clash the sticks and dance around.

Apart from this, purchasing of gold and jewellery during Navratri is considered auspicious.

Vijaya Dashmi: Conclusion of Navratri in Punjab

When we talk about North India, we include many countries in this list. Punjab is one of the states included in North India. It is famous for its distinct style, passion, excitement and different way of celebrating happiness. Here Dussehra is celebrated after the fasting of 9 days of Navratri.

During this time, huge crowd of devotees can be seen in temple. After the completion of Puja, traditional sweets and gifts are distributed. On Dashmi Tithi, huge fair are organised in big grounds. Effigies of Ravan, Kumbkaran and Meghnath are burnt. Huge corwd of people gather to see this.

Dussehra Fair in Himachal

Out of all the fairs organised in India, more then half are organised in Himachal Pradesh. One of the fair of Himachal Pradesh is the fair of Dussehra. This Fair is famous with the name of ‘Kulu’s Dussehra Mela’. The speciality of this Mela is that the preparations are begun from a week ago.

All men and women are dressed up beautiful on the occasion of Mela. They take their traditional musical instrument like Dhol, flute, bugle etc and participate in the fair. Himachal Pradesh is a village area hence, natural materials are given special significance in the Puja. Lord Ragunath is worshipped. Dance and drama is also organised in the fair. The Dussehra Mela is began with worshipping lord Ram. Subh Yatra of god Ram is carried on the day of Dashmi.

Saying briefly, the festival of Dussehra ties the whole country. It teaches the citizens of India that who to live with bonding.

Kotta Fair on Dussehra

Kotta Dussehra Fair is included in the category of Himachal’s Kullu Mela. This fair starts from Panchami of Ashwin Mas. In this Mela, traders of cattle gather from all around the country. Hence, this fair has a significance from business point of view as well. On the day of Ashtami, Ashapura Devi is worshipped here. In olden days, scriptures were worshipped in temple of goddess on the Navami.

On the day of Vijaya Dashmi, ride of Ravan’s killing is carried. Many cannons are fired. Arrows are shoot on Ravan. After this, the statue of Ravan is burnt. After this, children and elders enjoy the different dishes presented in the fair.