How Dussehra is Celebrated Worldwide: From India to Global Traditions

India is rich in culture and celebrating festivals among all the festivals Navratri has a special place. The meaning of Nav is nine and Ratri is night which means nine nights. There are many significances for this festival two of the stories are popular one among them is Goddess Durga fought against Mahishasura a demon for nine days and on the tenth day she won the victory by killing Mahishasura. Another one is Lord Rama killed Ravana and returned to Adhoya with his wife Sita along with Lakshman and Hanuma.  

Vijaya Dashami is celebrated for ten days according to the Hindu calendar, Navratri starts with Padyami Tithi of Ashwayuja Masam and ends with Dashami Tithi. It is not only celebrated in India but also in various parts of the world. 

How Dussehra is Celebrated Worldwide: From India to Global Traditions

India 

From Kashmir to Kanya Kumari Dussehra is celebrated all over the country. In Kolkata, Maa Kali is worshipped for these nine days. In Gujarat Garba and Dandiya, dances are performed for nine days all the people gather at one place and perform the dance. In Maharashtra, this festival is for nine days, and the idols of Goddess Durga are placed in mandaps and immersing the idols on the tenth day.

In Mysore Goddess Chamundeshwari is paraded on the elephants symbolizing the victory of good over evil. In Telangana, this festival is celebrated as Bathukamma all women celebrate by decorating with all kinds of flowers and on the tenth day these flowers are immersed in the water.

Nepal 

After India Nepal is a country in following the culture. Dussehra known as Dashan is celebrated for 15 days by honoring the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura in Nepal.

On this festival, families will reunite by creating an atmosphere of togetherness. People also fly kites, and visit temples for this festival which brings gratitude, family bonds and spiritual devotion. 

Sri Lanka 

In Sri Lanka, the Tamil Hindu family community celebrates Navratri as the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. They go to temples and offer prayers to Lord Rama and Goddess Durga and perform cultural activities. On this day they decorate homes with Rangoli called Kolam and also play Ramleela in the temples. 

Thailand

Indian and Hindu communities of Thailand celebrate Dussehra people offer prayers and rituals to the deities and perform and participate in cultural activities.  The story of Lord Rama is performed by the people of Thailand.

United States

In different regions of the United States, a community belonging to India celebrates Vijaya Dasami by doing special pujas and aarti for Goddess Durga.

They all gather at one place and perform traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya. On the tenth day of the festival, they also burn the statue of Ravana.

United Kingdom 

In the United Kingdom Indians celebrate Navratri by offering prayers for Goddess Durga and Lord Rama. They also conduct cultural activities and food stalls by presenting various forms of dishes. All the people gather at one place to perform the Indian cultural dances. 

Australia 

In Australia, this is not a public holiday, but Indians celebrate this festival by offering prayers and burning the statue of Ravana on Vijaya Dashmi. They also conduct events like Garba and Dandiya. 

Whatever you name this festival the culture and the devotion are the same all over the world. Indians celebrate this festival with great devotion, so the countries are also coming forward to promote the rich culture of India by supporting their culture and heritage. 

It’s time to recognize the victory of good over evil. Let’s walk ahead in life with the same spirit. Happy Dussehra 2024!

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