Importance of Indian Culture – Dusshera Celebrations
The fervor and enthusiasm with which we celebrate festivals in India is incomparable to anywhere else in the world. Not only that, the myriad of festivals surpasses any other nation, throwing light on our rich culture and traditions. Even each state of the vast country have so many of their own unique celebrations – it’s a wonder !! Apart from their religious significance , people look forward to festivals every year as a time of celebrations, socializing. For children and working people it means a long holiday and enjoyment.
One of the important festivals of India is the ten day Dusshera celebrated in diverse ways in various regions and known by different names. While it is Dusshera or Vijaydashmi in most of India, it is Durga puja in West Bengal, Navratri in north and western India.
In north India, every year a massive effigy of the demon Ravan is burnt in a huge open ground with spectators cheering and applauding. Vijaydashmi signifies the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. Taking us back to the time when Lord Ram had vanquished Ravan. Streets are illuminated, embellished and fairs are organized. At the same time, tableaus representing stories from our ancient epics keep zealous crowds enthralled .
Importance of Indian Culture – Dusshera Celebrations
In eastern state of West Bengal, worshipping diverse forms of Goddess Durga throughout the nine days of the puja is the norm. Beautiful theme based `pandals’ with idols of the deity laid out with much fanfare, involves lot of preparation and hard work. Not just reverence , also showcasing the talents of artists and painters! Durga puja being one of the main festivals here, it’s a lavish celebrations. Cultural and entertainment programs, talent shows, meeting and greeting people, marks the festivities. Then there are food stalls offering the most delicious cuisines. This is not limited to Bengal, we’ve seen similar kind of celebration in Bangalore as well. Along with adhering to the customs, the spiritual air is invigorating ,it’s a period of rejoicing.
Dance as part of the celebration
Navratri in other parts of India literally means nine nights, characterized by fasting, prayers and temple visits. Each day dedicated to a particular form of the deity. Temples and households are abuzz with singing bhajans (devotional songs of praise), recitals and offering of the most scrumtious food. Devotees faith is insurmountable. In Gujarat, there is the prevalence of the `dandiya dance’ organized at a massive scale. Dandiya is a specific type of group dance originating in Gujarat, involving the use of sticks or `dandiyas’ while dancing in a circle. Men, women and children come together to participate, wearing colorful , glasswork `lehengas’ and outfits.
Infact the dandiya dance also known as garba performed with great fervor in other places as well, is not confined to this particular region. This is what is the common thread that unites people and communities and is the core of every Indian festival. For enthusiastic first timers, participating in the garba begins with the excitement of putting together the pretty costume, as also getting familiar with the dance steps so as not to botch up and to be in co-ordination with the group. As the dancers move to the rhythm of the music , the beating sticks creating a reverberating sound, reveling in this customary dance ! A joyful experience bringing forth the true festive spirit !
Dusshera in South India
As I have stayed in south India and also in the north, I am quite familiar with the customs and traditions of both. In south India beautifully decorated dolls adorn every house, depicting timeless tales from epics Ramayana, Mahabharat and Puranas. Setting all this up does involve lot of dedication and hard work. Each year the dolls carefully packed and preserved – a ritual carried on from generation to generation. People look forward to visiting these homes to admire the display and also immerse in the divine atmosphere.
Aren’t these festival representative of a nation having a rich cultural heritage, and ancient traditions ? One which encourages people to live together in unity, harmony and joy!
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