Dussehra Festival is celebrated with great zeal and reverence in Hindu culture. The triumph of good over evil is what the basic reason behind these celebrations. Lord Rama Defeated and Killed Demon Ravana, and Maa Durga killed Mahishashur, on this day and hence Dussehra also got his name as ‘Vijayadashmi’. Celebrations in the form of prayers, dance, songs, burning of effigies are quite common scene on this festival. There are several customs and traditions that are followed and they are given below:
Ramlila
This is among the ancient most and most loved one too. This is mostly seen in the northern part of India. Before the Dussehra, around 20 days before it at various places stages are decorated on which in coming days, whole story of Ramayan is performed. Now with the passage of time, this has become a professional and various artists come to perform it. Whether the person is a child, adult or old, all enjoy watching this. In schools also, children perform acts that are related to this.
On the day of Dussehra effigies of Ravana, Meghnath (Son of Ravana) and Kumbhkarna (brother of Ravana) are burned at a common place with attendance of people in thousands. It is a part of big fair which is organized on this day. All sorts of fun activities like swings, food, sweets, dance, toys etc are available in these fairs. Children can be seen wearing mask or toys that are related to Lord Rama or Lord Hanuman. Place where these activities are performed is called as Ramlila Maidan.
Durga Puja and Visarjan of idols
This is mainly seen in the West Bengal state of India. After nine day long Maha Navratri, on the tenth day after the prayers, Maa Durga are carried on Rath to the nearby water body for the Visarjan. Every year this activity is repeated and it is a type of warm goodbye to the goddesses and also in a hope that she will come next with same happiness and reverence among the people. This day coincides with the Dussehra also; as Maa Durga killed a demon named as Mahishasura and protected humans from his cruel activities. The procession of carrying Maa Durga to the water body includes people dancing on the songs, accompanied by playing of big dholes (Drums).
Vidyarambham Custom and Tradition
This is quite common in Kerala and Tamil Nadu states of India. Contrary to the Dussehra being celebrated in other parts of India, in these two states they have Vidyarambham, which means that starting of education. This time of year as per them is considered very auspicious for starting education and thus students keep their books in front of the god. Also people who are working or using tools also worship god on this day. Music and Dance learning are main part of this day and it is a nice period if somebody wants to start learning these.
During the time of prayers, all sorts of material from the room like books, musical instruments etc are removed and some figures are drawn on the heap of rice which is placed at the floor. This is part of the prayers that are carried out on this auspicious occasion.
Mysore Dasara
In Mysore place of Karnataka state a 10 day long festival called Dasara is celebrated in lieu of Maa Chamundeshwari as she killed demon king Mahishashura. This festival is being celebrated from the 15th century by the Vijayanagra Kings. This tradition is still followed the royal family of Mysore still worships the Chamundi Devi temple at Chamundi Hill in Mysore.
After the royal family has carried out the prayers, Maa Chamundi Mandap is decorated on elephant and idol of Maa Chamundi is placed. Then a procession starts that is well decorated and all the people joins the procession for worshipping goddesses. One also major event carried out during these 10 days is that, whole Mysore palace is decorated with bulbs and it is an enchanting view to see that.
There can be other customs also, but above stated ones are the major ones.