It’s not all about Ram; there are many diverse ways that Dussehra is celebrated across the country. How many of these unique festivals have you seen?
Jagdalpur
Bastar Dussehra, also known as Jagdalpur Dussehra, is one of the most vibrant celebrations in the country. Centered in the state of Chhattisgarh, this 75-day-long festival (often called the longest festival in the world) is believed to have started in the 13th century,
At the center is a massive and beautifully decorated chariot that is pulled through the streets by as many as 400 people. The last 10 days of the festival are the most spectacular, ending on the day of Dussehra.
Kolkata
In Kolkata (or wherever Durga Puja is celebrated), Dussehra is known as Vijaya Dashami. It marks the final day of Durga Puja when the idols of Goddess Durga and her four children are taken to the river for immersion.
Of the many rituals observed on this day, the most popular is the one where married women offer vermillion and sweets to the goddess, and then smear each other with the vermillion.
