All Hindu festivals are according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, and so, in the solar calendar of the west, it varies from year to year within a month. The months of autumn, which according to the Hindu calendar are Ashvina and Kartika (September-October-November), are packed with Hindu festivals of which Dashera and Diwali are the most widely observed. This period marks the season of celebration following the harvests of summer and the rainy season. Many schools are on vacation for this period to celebrate the Dashera-Diwali festivals. The stories of Dashera and Diwali are our focus today.
Immediately prior to the nine-day worship (Navaratri) of Durga, is the fortnight of ancestral worship or tarpan, called Peetri Paksha. It starts on the first day of moon in Ashvin and ends on the new moon day. Devout Hindus remember their ancestors and offer water and black sesame seed (til) with prayers for these fifteen days. The last day, the new moon day, is called Mahalaya.
The present day Durga Puja, celebrated in autumn, was introduced by Rama who worshipped Durga for nine days in order to defeat Ravana, the demon king of Shri Lanka. Ravana was slain on the tenth day which is now commemorated by the celebration of Dashera. Hence, in many parts of India, the story of Rama (Ramayana) is enacted as Ramlila for a month prior to Dashera and the effigy of Ravana is burnt on the Dashera day with the display of fireworks. Dashera is the occasion for Hindus to exchange presents and messages of good will. Apart from religious prayers, it is a season full of communal festivities.
Now let us hear the story of Durga. Long ago, there was a powerful demon king named Mahishashur (a demon who could take the shape of a buffalo). Mahishashur prayed to Brahma, one of the forms of supreme power, and sought his blessings to become immortal. Brahma said “Mahisha, once born, one must die. I cannot grant immortality.” However, according to his desire, Brahma blessed Mahisha that he will be killed only by a woman. Mahishashur, with his extraordinary power, very soon drove away the gods from heaven and took over the throne of their king Indra. Finally, the gods joined their forces to create the goddess Durga. Durga later killed Mahishashur and brought peace back to earth. According to mythology, Durga was married to Shiva, the god of destruction. She has four children - Luxmi, the goddess of wealth, Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, Kartikeya, the god of war and the elephant-headed younger son Ganesh the god of success and remover of obstacles. Durga comes to the earth every year for ten days, along with her four children, to meet her people on the earth where she was born. The images are made of clay or paper maché and decorated with silk sarees, and jewels. Goddess Durga is depicted slaying the demon Mahishashur while riding a lion. On the back drop of the image is the picture of Shiva in the center surrounded by other gods and goddesses. The image is worshipped on the 7th, 8th, and 9th days of Navaratri. On the tenth day, or Dashera, the images are immersed into a river symbolizing the return of Durga and her children to Lord Shiva. On the tenth day begins Vijaya Dashami or Dashera. This is the day when Ram had slain Ravana. During Durga Puja, Hindus celebrate the victory of mother goddess Durga or divine forces, over Mahishashur, the evil forces.
Diwali follows Dashera. It is a spectacular religious festival held in late autumn. The celebration takes place on the darkest night of autumn, the new moon day (Amabashya), at the beginning of Kartika (October-November), eighteen days after the celebration of Dashera. Diwali means cluster of lights. On the Diwali day, rows of lamps decorate the houses and presents are exchanged.
Diwali, in the north of India, is associated with the coronation of Rama when he returned to Ayodhya (in Uttar Pradesh) after vanquishing the demon Ravana on the day of Dashera. Ram had been in exile for fourteen years and his followers were pleased to see his return to Ayodhya. They welcomed him by decorating their houses with lamps and rejoiced with the display of fireworks at night. Diwali is seen as a renewal of life. Houses are painted and new purchases are made at this time. In Maharasthra, Diwali is seen as a festival for warding off king Bali, the ruler of the underworld. In the western part of India, many Hindus believe that the souls of their ancestors come to visit their homes during the new moon day of Diwali. Lamps are lit to guide the way of the departed souls. In Gujrat, Diwali is associated mostly with the worship of Luxmi, the goddess of wealth. It is believed Luxmi on this day emerges to bring prosperity to the world. Luxmi puja in Gujrat lasts for five days which starts with Dhanterash, the worshipping of wealth. The fourth day is Gujratís New Years Day. Luxmi is believed to visit the homes that are well lit. So, families decorate their houses with light, flowers and paper chains. It is believed that lighting the new lamps will drive away evil and poverty from the world and heralds better times. In the eastern part of India, especially in West Bengal, Luxmi puja is celebrated five days after Dashera, on the full moon day (Purnima). On the following new moon day (Amabashya), coinciding with Diwali, goddess Kali is worshipped. Kali has a terrifying look. She destroys all evils. Lamps are lit in her honor, and in return, she promises a renewal of life and justice on earth.
Four days after Diwali is the brotherís day or Bhiadweej (or Bhaiphonta). Sisters put sandalwood mark on brotherís forehead praying to Yama, the god of death, to grant a long and prosperous life for her brother.
How tradition of celebrating Dushera began in Mysore? Mysore kings were subordinates of the Vijayanagara emperors. But the Vijayanagara Empire was at its peak in 16 century. Once the empire started declining in 17 century these Mysore kings proclaimed the freedom for themselves. After that to celebrate their newly found freedom Raja Wadyar the founder of Mysore kingdom proclaimed that the Navratri festival should be celebrated with pomp and valor by one and all. Navratri Festivities remained unhampered even during annexations by other kings like Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. But the festivities strengthened when Krishnaraja Wadyar assumed the kingdom back in 1779. But unlike previous Dushera celebrations this time the celebrations were opened for commoners and special durbar was set up for Europeans and other royalties. Every year the royal celebrations saw king seated in a golden canopy on a elephant followed by ministers in a parade like processions. But such celebrations came to end when Mysore was integrated into Indian Union after independence in 1947.
How Wadyars celebrated Dushera? Wadyar kings worshipped the Navdurga for nine days: Shailaputri, Brahmacarini, Candraghanta, Kusmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhida. On the first day king will perform Puja of family deity Chamunda and Ganesha after the ceremonial bath. King would enter the royal durbar of the palace in presence of all esteemed guests and minister along with the accompaniment of chants and music. After that the worship of Navagrahas takes place and after that Kalasha was worshipped. Then throne was worshipped as per the rituals of Kalika Purana. After circumlating the throne for 3 times the king will ascend on it at auspicious moment or to say at Shubh Muhurtha. Sword and Royal insignia was presented to him amid chants of Karya Sri Gauri. That moment will be announced with the special lights and 21 gun salute.After assigning the throne King will officially welcome the guests. After this royal elephant and horses will receive their share of worship and tribulations. King was presented with the offerings received from different temples and maths. Then royal salutations by dewans, mantris and other soldiers will follow along with the music and dance performances.The beautifully decorated elephants will welcome the assembled guests with the rose petals and salute the King. After salutation by elephants and other royal courtiers the Durbar will be dispersed. Everyone will leave the court after bowing to the King once again. Such processesions were part of the Navratri nights.The other navratri evenings will be proceeded with same processions and some other cultural programmes, fireworks etc. The darbars were shifted to outer courts whereas the worship was conducted inside the palace. King worshipped Goddess Saraswati on the seventh day and Mahishasurmardini on the eigth day. The Mahanavami day will be followed by the sword worship which will signify the worship of all the weapons.
Then after worshipping the sword will be received by the king at the palace gates and kept at the feet of the Divine mother. After that king will worship the local deity- Ammaladevi Amma then he will offer the special worship to the chandi worship and fire sacrifice to the Chamunda Devi. Along with this the Assembly rooms of the palace will be worshipped. These will end the rituals.
Navratri celebrations culminate with the end of the Vijyadashami festival. On this day, after ablutions, the king would worship the royal sword again and place it in a palanquin, would offer an ash gourd smeared with vermilion as sacrifice to it. He would follow the grand procession, seated on the historically famous golden howdah bedecked with the rarest gems and pearls, which was carried by the royal elephant. The royal throne on which the king used to sit is made of gold and is said to have been used by Dharmaraja, the illustrious Pandava king. It was rediscovered by the great sage Vidyaranya during the establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire and was subsequently presented to the Mysore kings.
How is Navratri celebrated in modern day at Mysore?
Although the Mysore Dushera festival revives some charm but its sans its Royal pomp. Deity is placed on the back of elephant instead of the King. The Mysore Dushera is no more confined to the limits of the state rather it is celebrated as the Universal festival. Instead of the daily cultural programmes that took place in presence of the King now daily the musical concerts take place for the nine days in the palace by the world renowed musicians. The Vijyadashami procession is televised with precise commentery that narrates the states glory.
The legend is that the tradition of celebrating Kullu Dushera began in early 17 century when Kullu was ruled by Raja Jagat Singh. Once king heard that one poor Brahmin Durga Dutt of Tipri village is possessing the bowl of pearls. Raja asked sent his courtiers to snatch the pearls from Brahmin. Raja’s courtiers set to the village to snatch the pearls from the Brahmin. On reaching there they tortured the Brahmin very cruelly. Unable to bear the torture Brahmin promised the courtiers that he will hand over the bowl of pearls to the King on his return from Manikaran. King came to the village thinking that the Brahmin will hand over the bowl of pearls. But instead the Brahmin locked his family members inside and set the house on fire and entire family was reduced to ashes. As Brahmin sat outside house and started cutting his flesh by cursing the King. Thus the King was now charged with the sin of Brahma hatya.
Although the time passed by but the King was stung by his own conscience and felt that he was haunted by the spirit of the poor Brahmin. King lost his mental balance and was slowly slipping into the world of hallucinations which made him to see the things negatively. The news of Kings mental illness spread throughout the kingdom and everyone from commoner, to courtiers to saints to village doctors united to find the cure. But every option seemed to failed when it came to curing kings disease. Atlast a medicine practioner from village offered his counsilling he proclaimed that there can be no effective cure for Raja except the blessing of Lord Shrirama. King decided to bring the idol of Lord from Ayodhya.The task of bringing the idol was assigned to Damodar Dass who possessed Gutka Sidhi. Damodar Dass brought rare pieces of lords idol alongwith the Pujari from ‘Tret Nath’ Temple of Ayodhya in July 1651 AD which was installed in Raghunathjee’s temple at Sultanpur Kullu by obersving all the rituals suggested by the learned priests of that time. It may be of interest to record here that a special class of priests were brought from Ayodhya to conduct the rituals and their descendants still continue to keep-up the tradition.
King started to recover from his illness. He established Rama as the deity of the state thus naming him Ragunathji. He ordered everyone to pay their respects to the deity on Vijayadashmi day and to take part in celebrations.
How is Dusshera celebrated in Kulu?
On the first day when the Dussehra fair begins, the idol of Raghunth ji saddled in a gaily attired Rath is pulled from its fixed place in Dhalpur Maidan, to another spot across the maidan by big ropes by the local people. The village gods more than one hundred in number mounted in colorful plaquine attend this fair. There after for seven days the fair goes on. At night in Kala Kender international dance festival is held which is a stage of great cultural activities. Thousands of people witness the show in the open theater at Dhalpur. Dussehra is a well-organised fair that provides entertainment business opportunities, fun and frolics to all.
On the 6th day, the assembly of Devtas takes place. All the village gods attending the fair with their followers and band of musicinas participate in the assembly. It is an impressive and rare scene to witness. Devtas sitting together in colorful attires round the camp of Raghunathji. On the concluding day, the Rath is again pulled near to the bank of the river Beas, where a pile of thorn bushes is set on fire that symbolises the burning of Lanka. Some animals are sacrified and Rath is brought back in a procession to its original place. Raghunathji is carried back to his temple at Sultanpur. The attending gods disperse adn so the people. Kullu Dussehra is full of grandeur and festivities.
Ram Leela as the name suggests is the enactment of Rama and Ravana Battle. It is an integral part of the Vijyadashmi celebrations. Such Ramleela celebrations takes place throughout Uttarpradesh but Ramleela performed at Ram Nagar is very famous. Ram Nagar is around 15 kms away from Varanasi.
As per the folklore Ramlila was started by Tulsidas. The Ramcharithmanas forms the basis of Ram Lila. The Ram Leela of Ram Nagar was started in the first quarter of the nineteenth century by the Maharaja of Benaras, Udit Narayan Singh.
Ramnagar Ramleela is unique than its counterparts for many reasons.
• Unlike other Ramlila which lasts for 10 days this Ram Nagar Ramleela is performed for 30 days.
• Hundreds of Sadhus called the ‘Ramayanis’ come to watch and recite the Ramayana.
• Most of the Ramlila performances are enacted on single sets whereas Ram Nagar Ramlila is enacted on various sets. Almost the whole town is transformed into a vast Ram Leela ground as permanent structures are built and spaces designated to represent the main locations of the story. Thus, we have Ashok Vatika, Lanka etc at different locations in the town. The audience moves along with the performers with every episode, to the next location.
• It is the only event in India which has not embraced technology .Most amazing thing about the Ram Leela of Ramnagar is its sober character. It is incredible to see that electric lights, mikes and loudspeakers are hardly used in the performances, even when the audience number in thousands.
• The performers’ costume jewellery, masks, headgear, make-up and decoration add to the spectacle and enable those further away to keep up with the action.
Birth day of Sri Rama, seventh incarnation of Vishnu
Sri-Ramnavami is dedicated to the memory of Lord Rama. It occurs on the ninth day (navami). The festival commemorates the birth of Rama who is remembered for his preperous and righteous reign. Ramrajya (the reign of Rama) has become synonymous with a period of peace and prosperity.
This Year Ram Navami is celebrated on 9th October 2008.
The birthday of Lord Rama, the celebrated hero of the famous epic, ‘Ramayana’, is enthusiastically celebrated all over India. Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his human incarnation as Rama, the divine ruler of Ayodhya.
Lord Rama is a legendary figure, the epitome of all that is good and true, the man who vanquished the demon king Ravana. Lord Rama is not just a hero, but has been given the status of a god by the Hindus. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that his birth is celebrated year after year with great pomp & show .
Temples of Rama are decorated, religious discourses are held and the Ramayana is recited for ten days. People sing devotional songs in praise of Rama and rock, images of him in a cradle to celebrate his birth. Rathyatras or chariot processions of Rama, his wife Seeta, brother Lakshmana and devotee Hanuman are held from many temples. The chariot is accompanied by several devotees dressed up in ancient costumes as Rama’s soldiers. The procession is a gusty affair with the participants shouting praises echoing the happy days of Rama’s reign.
Everyone participates in the puja by first sprinkling the water, roli, and aipun on the gods and then showering handfuls of rice on the deities. Then everybody stands up to perform the arti at the end of which ganga jal or plain water is sprinkled over the gathering. The singing of bhajans goes on for the entire puja.
Finally, the prasad is distributed among all the people who have gathered for worship.
Fasting
Some observe a strict fast on this day. The diet of such a person would include potatoes made in any form without haldi (turmeric), garlic, ginger or onion. He can also eat fruit and root vegetables of any kind. Curd, tea, coffee, milk, and water are also permitted
On the face of it Sri-Ramnavmi appears to be just a festival commemorating the reign of a king who was later deified. But even behind present-day traditions there are clues which unmistakably point to the origin of Ramnavmi as lying beyond the Ramayana story.
A huge fair is held in Ayodhya (Ram Janam Bhumi) on Ram Navami day, where thousands of devotees gather to celebrate this festival. In Andhra Pradesh:
Ram Navami is a major festival celebrated with great religious fervour and devotion. It is celebrated for 10 days from the Chaitra saptami to the Bahula Padyami that fall in the month of March and April. Rambhaktas visit temples where Rama’s birthday is celebrated by the re-enactment of his marriage to Sita. For this reason Ram Navami is also called the Kalyanotsavam . In Other Parts Of South India
Besides the usual fasting and prayers, a most delightful tradition that is practised as a part of the Ram Navami celebrations in south India is the narration of stories. Talented storytellers are known to narrate episodes of the Ramayana adding local flavour and humour to it. This is essentially a folk tradition and still continues in villages and small towns.
Kashmir is dominated by the muslim population, there Hindus are minority community. Navratri is one of the main festivals celebrated in Kashmir valley. Navratri is one such festival in the valley that is equally observed by both the Hindus and Muslims. Although Navratri is considered to be one of the main festivals but the festivities are subdued more or less with the houses. Large pandals are not erected. All the devotees observe the poojas at home. They worship the Navdurga for nine days.The festival culminates on 9th day called MahaNavami. They grow barley plants in pots if the barley plants grow well the n then it is believed there will be propsperity the year around. Lord Shiva and Maa Sheriwali are deities of the Hindus.
Most of the Hindus survive on the water during the fasts. In the evenings also they dont eat heavy food instead they break the fast by eating some light food or fruits. On all 9 days these members visit their deity Kheer Bhavani whose temple is located in the middle of Manasarovar. There is one legend that Kheer Bhavani turns the color of water black to alert her devotees about the impending danger. It is being said that the water of the lake turned black on the day of Indira Gandhis Assination and before that such incident occured during the Indo Pak War. At the time of Navratri a special fair is held at the Kheer Bhavani temple.
On the Navami day the people visit the temple and after the aarti breaks their fasts. This is the end of Navratri celebrations. Next day Vijayadashmi is celebrated by burning the effigies of Ravana. The prayers are offered at Hari Parbhat temple. This temple is considered as Siddha Pitta the temple of awakened Divine Presence. Although Terrorism had changed the whole face of Kashmir but still all the Kashmiri Pundits observe the fasts and offer prayers to Kheer Bhavani in hope of returning to their motherland.
Doonagiri Fair (Uttaranchal) Uttranchal is famous for its breathtaking picturisque beauty. Almora and Kasauli are the important tourist destinations in Uttranchal. Doonagiri lies almost 52 kms aways from Raniket. Doonagiri is rich in historical and religious significance. There are several legends associated with this place. One legend states that when Hanuman was carrying the Sanjiwani Booty to cure Lakshmana one piece felldown here. Rich in natural beauty this place famous for the temple of Vaishnodevi the cave goddess. Fair is held during the Chaitra and Aswin Navratri time at that time the temple is abuzz with the flood of devotees.
Osian Cattle Fair (Rajasthan)
A cattle fair is held in the temple town of Osian. During the period of Navratri (September-October), it is one of the least known cattle fairs of Rajasthan.
Navratri Fair(Sri Naina Devi Ji) (Himachal Pradesh)
This fair is held at Sri Naina Devi Ji during Navratri.A week long religious fair in Navratra. It is generally organised in the month of August/October.
Navratri Fair (Hamidpur, Uttarpradesh) The Navratri fair is held at Hamidpur(in tehsil Kadipur), when the Godess Durga is worshipped. It attracts a gathering of about 10,000 persons.
Navratri Fair (Pittorhgarh, Uttranchal) The navratri fair at the Mahakali temple at Gangolihat the devotees turn up in a very large number.
Navratri Fair (Indore, Madhyapradesh) Bijasen Tekri, near the Indore airport, is a small hillock housing the Holkar guesthouse, a small museum, and the temple of Bijasen Mata built in 1920. Every year, during the Hindu festival of Navratri in the months of September/October, a fair is held at this temple.
Most of the Mumbai youngsters have stocked themselves with the dresses needed for the nine days of the festive bonanza. But unlike previous years most of them are opting for hired dresses or dresses for low prices because of the 10 PM night deadlines. These deadlines don’t allow the youngsters to showcase themselves properly so instead of investing on dresses they go for hiring dresses. The dress makers who lease out dresses are reeling under demands since last 1 month and finding it sometimes hard to fulfill the demands of the youngsters. Most of the youngsters are going for cheap dress versions.
Women are beating their age by going for thread lifts, botulumin shots, and chemical peels, breast augmentations, lazer hair removals are most sought after. Everyone from 60 year old to youngsters are flocking to these clinics to get the beauty treatments done. One doctor claimed that “Previously Mumbaikars used to go to tailors before Navratri, now they go to surgeons.”
Every street has its own Navratri Mandal which organizes the dandiya events. Some mandals have already given crash coaching to their special classes for their residents to be in tune with the popular beats to develop rhythm.
Hotels and Community halls are booked in advance so that Dandiya dance contests could be organized on major scale.
Essel World is organizing the Navratri on grand scale this year. Live performances by playback singer Vatsala, fold singer Bihar Hemu Gadhvi along with Sa Re Ga Ma celebrities Raja Hassan, Poonam, Sumedha and Mauli. Organisers are expecting around 40,000-50,000 visitors this year. The visitors can win daily prizes for garba, for the best costumes and dance performances. Some of the other events include bangles-making, face-painting, tattoo making, mehendi, hair braiding, and nail tattoos.
In India we celebrate many festivals but Navratri is the longest celebrated festival. Most of the festivals are only observed only in India whereas Navratri is observed by Indians around the world. Some countries had leaped a step ahead by declaring holiday for this festival in order to show their gratitude towards the Indian community who observe this festival. Many countries have their own version of festival like in Mexico Ram Sita Festival is celebrated, in Nepal after the culmination of Navratri the festival of Dasara is celebrated as Dashain or Mohani Nakha, in Bangladesh Durga Puja is celebrated on wide scale even the festival is observed in Bhutan.
Navratri time is not only meant for spiritual purification but this is also the time for when people love to pay attention towards their physical appearances.
Diamonds are considered to be Girls Best Friend but instead of adorning them as jewelry now women in Gujarat are set to dazzle their diamond studded smiles. Women are getting the diamonds fixed to their teeth. This procedure is called Dental Diamond Procedure. The tooth is adorned with medicated diamonds. This diamond implant procedure takes almost 45 mins and costs around Rs 2500.
Diamonds will not only shine from mouths also from the bellies, eyebrows, lower lips and necks of the beautiful dancers. Women in Ahmadabad are piercing their bellies with beautiful diamonds which may cost them between Rs 1600 and Rs 5000.
In this era of designer Ghagra Cholis and other modern versions exploding the fashion market most of the Gujrati women are going back to the villages to get their evening wears decorated with Kutchi Mirror works. This year leheriya ghagras, florescent colored ghagras and oxidized jewelry had caught the buyer’s attention.
