The many stories of Dussehra/ Dussehra: A symbol of unity in diversity/ Tracing unity amidst the diverse meanings of Dussehra in India

Throughout India, the festival of Dussehra entails many meanings and symbolisms. A display of Ramleela in the northern regions evokes strong imagery about lord Ram’s killing of Ravana. In east India, the magnificent pandals vividly portrays Ma Durga aiming her trishul (trident) over at Narakasura’s heart. Similarly, the Bastar Dussehra of Chhattisgarh and the Dasara Doll festival of South India clearly demonstrate the regional variations in the celebrations of the pan Indian occasion of Dussehra. Despite this, there remains an element of unity that brings together all the masses for the joyous celebration during this time of the year.

Bastar Dussehra is the longest festival of the world.

<p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">The mythological story of Dussehra is quite familiar to most of us. Valmiki’s Ramayana tells us about the prophesized defeat of Ravana by Vishnu’s avatar, Rama, culminating in the rescue of his wife Sita. But for the people of Bastar, in Chhattisgarh, the celebration of Dussehra has no association with the myth of Rama and Ravana.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">In Bastar,&nbsp;it is the local goddess Danteshwari, a re-incarnation of Shakti whose reunion with her sisters become the cause of Dussehra celebration. It is observed for 75 days and is known as the longest festival of the world. The origin of the festival is tied to the history of the Kakatiya dynasty which ruled parts of eastern India in the medieval times. King Purushottam Deo, the 4th ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty, arguably initiated this festival in the 15th century. It brings together people from all the tribes and castes of Bastar and represents their diverse beliefs. The festival includes many local rites and rituals, including a tradition of making chariot. This is because it is believed that King Purushottam began this festival after he returned from his pilgrimage to the Jagannath Puri temple and was given the title of Rath Pati, meaning "he who can mount a chariot". A majority of the events are centred around Dantewada, where the famous Shakti <em>pitha</em>, the Danteshwari Temple is situated.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Dussehra in many ways appears to be an extremely important time for the followers of Shakti or Mother Goddess cult. In many parts of south India, Dussehra is the time when the natives commemorate Ma Durga’s battle with Mahishasura but there’s a twist to it. Instead of honouring the titular deity, as they do in east Indian states like Bengal, the devotees instead worship the other gods and goddesses who supposedly aided Ma Durga in bringing an end to Mahishasura. During the peak of the battle, they lent her their powers which made the ten-armed goddess powerful enough to slay the demon, but at the same time, it made these other gods and goddesses powerless and lifeless, like statues. </p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

Dasara Doll festival is celebrated in South India.

<p class="ql-align-justify">The doll festival of south India is thus themed around the concept of self-sacrifice to honour them. Each year, the devotees, decorate dolls of Gods and Goddesses and place them on an ascending order on an elevated position, based on the hierarchy of the Gods, and the mortals worship them for ten long days. This tradition is known by various names like <em>Bombe Habba</em> or <em>Golu </em>or <em>Kolu</em> in Kannada, <em>Bommala Koluvu</em> in Telugu and <em>Bommai Kolu</em> in Tamil. In present times, the tradition of dolls has become a way of making children more interested and aware about the mythological tales of their past. </p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Irrespective of the differences in the ways of celebration, there are two aspects that remain constant about the festival. It demonstrates the might and glory of two major deities of the Hindu pantheon: Vishnu and Shakti. It also carries a deep moral message for the believers, that is, victory of good over evil. As such, the celebration of Dussehra or Vijayadashami reflects the unity of the believers even though the myths and tales surrounding the origin of the festival vary from region to region.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>