Dussehra : A Celebration Of Victory!

September 22, 2023 admin

What’s The Story Behind Dussehra?

The festival of Dussehra, which marks the end of the nine day Navratri festival and the tenth day of the Durga Puja, is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil.

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Dussehra, also known as dasara or Vijayadashmi, celebrated Ream’s victory over the demon king Ravana, who had kidnapped his wife, sita. With the help of his brother Lakshman and Hanuman, Rama invaded Lanka with an army of monkeys. The two armies engaged in a war for several days. It was really difficult for Rama to defeat the powerful Ravana. He then prayed for nine days to nine different versions of the Goddess Durga and grew strong enough to overcome Ravana. The first nine days are known as Navratri, and the tenth, on which Ravana is defeated, is known as Dussehra. Another popular mythology in the eastern and northern Indian states is that Goddess Durga slayed the monster Mahishasura to bring peace to the world. Goddess Durga destroys Mahishasura on the tenth day, and that day is celebrated as Vijayadashmi.

Did You Know?

The words Dus and Ahara combine to make the term “tenth day”, as “dus” means “ten” and “Ahara” means “day.” Another interpretation derives from the festival’s mythology, in which “Dus” stands for the 10 heads of Ravana, or bad or evil, and “hara” is “to defeat.”

Different Ways Of Celebrating Dussehra

Navratri and Dussehra are widely observed holidays in India. Here are some interesting ways that people celebrate this festival!

Rangoli – Art Form

Around the end of Dussehra till the beginning of Diwali, people in India use the art form of rangoli. It is a design drawn on the sidewalk or ground in front of a house with coloured chalk or powder, and marigold flowers. Rangoli, which means “rows of colours” in Sanskrit, is a design used to entice the goddess of fortune and prosperity.

Ramlila – Theatre Plays

Ramlila, which translates to “Rama’s play,” is a presentation of the Ramayana epic including song, storytelling, recital, and dialogue in a number of scenes. It is performed all across India during the Dussehra. Hundreds of towns, villages, and settlements organise celebrations and outdoor fairs honouring Rama’s victory over Ravana.

Lighting Diyas

Diyas represent virtue and purity, and burning one signifies escaping the shadows and entering into the light. The people of Ayodhya lit diyas to welcome Lord Rama after 14 years of exile, to celebrate his victory over Ravana. The oil in the Diya symbolises human sins. As a result, when you light a Diya, the evil is essentially “burnt away”.

Diversity In Dussehra Celebration In India

Dussehra is celebrated in many different and diverse ways across the country. Some of the unique ways in which Dussehra is celebrated in different parts of

Kolkata, West Bengal

The Bengali community celebrates Dussehra with Durga Puja, which transforms entire state into a dynamic and lively hub of culture. Vijayadashami is celebrated on the tenth day of the famous Durga Puja. On this day, married women offer vermilion and sweets to the goddess. They also put vermilion on each other’s cheeks. At night, the idols of the goddess are taken to nearby rivers or water bodies to be immersed.

Bastar, Chhattisgarh

Dussehra is devoted to tribal deities and has nothing to do with the defeat the of Ravana. The festival is celebrated for 75 days and is believed to be the longest festival in the world.

Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

The Kullu Dussehra, which is well-known all over the world, is held in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Around 200 local deities from nearby villages are brought to participate in a religious procession. Another unique aspect is that these celebrations in Kullu begin on Vijayadashami, the day when Dussehra festivities end in India. Further, on the last day of the celebration, a pile of thorn bushes is burnt to depict the burning of Lanka.

Mysore, Karnataka

Dussehra in Mysore is known as Mysuru Dasara and it is one of the most spectacular celebrations in India. As a part of the celebration, Mysore Palace is illuminated with 1,00,000 light bulbs. Additionally, the city destroys the effigies of Meghnad, Ravana, and Kumbhkaran.

Almora, Uttarakhand

Almora celebrates Dussehra with a parade of demons. The mountain streets of this small town in Uttarakhand are filled with various villains from The Ramayana. They’re made by local people and are paraded across the town before burning them. A total of 33 effigies of Ravana’s family members are burned to celebrate Dussehra.

Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu

The Dussehra celebrations at a 300-year-old temple of Goddess Kali, in the village Kulasekarapattinam are very unique. People are required to dress up as gods and goddesses. The people dance holding flaming clay pots throughout the night and end the festival with an enactment of slaying of Mahishasura on the beach.

Did You Know?

Ravana is a symbol of evil for most people across India. However, in Mandore, Rajasthan, people celebrate him as a deity. It is believed that Ravana’s wife Mandodari is from this town. While, people remember Ravana for his evil deeds, here he is celebrated for his genius achievements in the field of astrology and ayurveda.

There are some temples in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh that worship Ravana as a deity.

Besides India, Dussehra is also celebrated in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Different Ram Leelas In India

Ram Leela literally means Rama’s play. Ram Leela is an integral part of Dussehra celebrations in India. It retells the epic story of Ramayana. Many people go to watch Ram Leela. According to legend, Tulsidas, the author and composer of Ramcharitmanas, started the tradition of Ram Leela. Following are some of the most famous and oldest Ram Leela performances in India.

Kumaon Ram Leela

Kumaon Ram Leela in Uttarakhand is 150 years old and has been declared by UNESCO as the world’s longest running opera. It is also a part of the World Cultural Heritage List. It is also known as the Kumaoni Ram Leela and was first started in 1860 at Almora’s famous Badreshwar temple. From there it spread to other parts of Uttarakhand like to Nainital, Bageshwar, and many other places. Ram Leela in Kumaon is a musical festival rather than a staged performance. In Ku-maon’s Ram Leela, the focus is more on singing than acting.

Another interesting aspect about the Kumaoni Ram Leela is that for the last 20 years the roles of Rama and Lakshman are performed by girls!

Ramnagar Ram Leela

Ramnagar Ram Leela is known as the oldest and the best Ram Leela in the world. It was started almost 200 years ago and the first one was performed in 1830. UNESCO has rec-ognised Varanasi’s Ram Leela as a World Heritage. This particular Ram Leela goes on for 31 days and the whole city of Varanasi turns into a big stage to tell Rama’s life story. One unique aspect about the Ramnagar Ram Leela is that different scenes are enacted in different parts of the city. In Ram-nagar Ram Leela, the artist’s perform the entire epic without the help of any sound technology such as microphones or speakers. They use their voice to perform their scenes and it is performed in natural light as well.

Delhi Ram Leela

Delhi is known for various different Ram Leela performanc-es. This year, Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra is performing their 66th annual edition of Ram Leela called ‘Shri Ram’. Another well-known Ram Leela in Delhi is by Luv Kush Ram-lila Committee. Their theme for this year is Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. This Ram Leela is performed on the grounds of the Red Fort.

Did You Know?

A group of 30 women from different villages of Garhwal region in Uttarakhand organise an all women Ram Leela performance, where the role of male characters are also performed by them.

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Interesting Facts About Ramadan

April 20, 2023 admin

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on the cycles of the Moon. The Ramadan dates are different every year as the Islamic calendar is based on the Moon. This year Ramadan began on March 22 and will end on April 21.

During Ramadan, people who follow Islam won’t eat or drink between dawn and sunset. This is called fasting. They eat one meat before sunrise, which is known as ‘Sahoor’, which means “of the dawn”. They also have another meal right after sunset known as ‘Iftar’ which means “break of the fast”. They also read the Qur’an and pray during the entire month.

Origin of Ramadan

Ramadan is the month of remembrance and celebration of when the Qur’an (the Muslim holy book) was revealed to Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel, in A.D. 610. Muslims believe that the Prophet of Muhammad is the last Prophet, who received the teachings of Allah and who spread the Islamic faith after the Qur’an (believed to be the direct word of Allah) was revealed to him.

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Eid al-Fitr

Ramadan officially ends with the first glimpse of the new Moon. The festival of “Eid al-Fitr” or the “Feast of Fast-Breaking” is observed to mark the end of the month of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated to end fasting and also to thank God which is done through special services held in the mosques. Special meals are eaten during the daytime and people dress in the finest clothes, spend time with family and friends, and give gifts to children.

Eid is celebrated around the world in more or less the same manner with slight changes which are usually because of cultural differences. In Ghana and Somalia, traditional dances like Adowa and Buraanbur are performed respectively along with the celebrations. This is a unique way of celebrating in Africa during Eid.

Eid is celebrated every year with great spirits, enthusiasm, traditions, and lots of love and brotherhood among people.

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Easter Traditions Around The World

April 8, 2023 admin

Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar. It celebrates Jesus rising from the dead, three days after he was executed, symbolising his conquest of death. The date of Easter Sunday varies from year to year. It is observed on or after March 21, on the first Sunday following the full moon. Each culture has its own unique traditions to commemorate this special day. From food to decorations, there are many interesting Easter traditions that vary by region.

Know Of The Various Easter Traditions Around The World –

1. Cooking A Giant Omelette

Brotherhood of the Big Omelette members have gathered in Bessières, France, every year since 1973 to prepare an enormous omelette consisting of 15,000 eggs. The feast is prepared over a sizable fire in the town square by a group of volunteer cooks using wooden utensils shaped like oars and a four-meter-wide pan.

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2. Kite Flying

The colourful geometric patterns in the sky represent Jesus’ journey into heaven as Bermudians assemble to fly homemade kites constructed from wooden sticks and colourful tissue paper. Together with a codfish feast, hot cross buns, and sunrise services on the beach, this Easter custom is celebrated.

3. Halloweening

Halloween is a springtime tradition in Sweden and some of its Nordic neighbours. On the Thursday before Easter, young people dress as witches and knock on doors to ask for candy. In exchange for the treats, the kids typically give the grownups colourful willow branches or drawings. The custom is based on the myth that Swedish witches visited Blkulla before Easter to celebrate with the devil. On Easter Sunday, Swedes build large bonfires to ensure that the witches won’t return.

4. Easter Almonds

On Easter, people in Portugal give each other almonds, also known as amêndoas. The delicious candies are coated in hard candy, chocolate, or caramelised sugar and come in a variety of colours. On Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, godchildren give their godparents a stalk, and in exchange, the godparents give almonds on Easter Sunday.

5. Easter Egg Roll

At the White House in America where the country’s president lives, an annual Easter egg roll is held on the lawn. The tradition dates back to 1878 when President Rutherford B Hayes ran the country. It’s held on Easter Monday and it’s usually the President’s wife, known as the First Lady, who is in charge of the event.

6. Water Fights

In Poland, people throw water over each other on Easter Monday. It’s known as Wet Monday. In the olden days, it was mainly single guys chasing single girls, but now it’s pretty much everyone water-fighting everyone. The weapons of choice are water guns, empty shampoo and dishwashing soap bottles, and buckets.

7. Pot Smashing

Old pots are traditionally thrown out of windows on Easter Saturday morning on the Greek island of Corfu. It’s believed that the custom originated with the Italians of Venice, who regularly discard their goods.

8. Easter Eggs Are Red In Greece

In Greece, dying eggs red, symbolizing Christ’s blood, has held strong throughout the millennia as an Easter tradition. The egg in itself is a symbol, as its hard shell represents the sealed tomb of Jesus, the cracking of egg symbolizes his resurrection from the dead and exit from the tomb.

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New Year Traditions Around The World

December 28, 2022 admin

When the clock strikes midnight on January 1, a new year begins. The entire world celebrates the new year but the celebrations couldn’t be more different and unique. New Year’s is marked by a variety of traditions and customs depending on the culture and beliefs of the people. The New Year traditions hold a lot of value for people and make them feel happy and contended to follow them.

Also read, Easter Traditions Around The World

Here are some of the interesting New year traditions from around the world –

1. United States Of America

The ball drop at Times Square in New York is a tradition witnessed by millions of Americans across the country either in front of their television sets or at Times Square. Started by Adolph Ochs, the owner of The New York Times in 1907 to ring in the new year, wanted to draw attention to the Times’s new headquarters. Ever since it has become an annual and the most well-known New year’s eve tradition.

2. Denmark

In Denmark, people throw plates and glasses against their family and friends’ doors to ward off any evil spirits as they welcome the new year.

3. Italy

The Italians include lentils in their New Year’s Eve dinner, as they believe lentils are like mini edible coins and will bring in some good luck in the new year.

4. Spain

The people in Spain start off their new year by eating 12 grapes. These grapes are eaten as soon as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve as it is believed to bring good luck in the new year. But these grapes have to be eaten within 12 seconds. The tradition of las doce uvas de la suerte (the twelve grapes of luck) dates back to the late 19th century and continues to date.

5. Greece

The Greeks believe that pomegranates are a symbol of life and good fortune. On New Year’s Eve, the people smash the fruit on the front door of the house. The number of seeds that come out equals the amount of good luck for the next year. It is also a tradition to hang onions outside the door, as they bring good luck for the new year ahead. Greeks hang the onions on the door after the church service on New Year’s Day.

6. Philippines

People in the Philippines hang round shapes all over the country on New Year’s Eve. Round loaves of bread, coins, and clothes covered in polka dots. All of these are believed to be symbols of prosperity. Also, many people eat 12 round-shaped fruits at midnight, each fruit representing each month in the new year.

7. Turkey

In Turkey, it is lucky to sprinkle salt on the doorstep at midnight. The Turks believe it

promotes peace and prosperity throughout the new year.

8. Austria

In Austria, people believe pigs to be a good luck charm. So, they celebrate the new year by eating dishes made from pigs. They also exchange chocolate pigs with each other, believing it will bring good luck in the new year.

9. Japan

In Japan, people welcome the new year by eating a bowl of warm soba noodles, or noodles made from buckwheat flour. While the origins of this tradition are not known, these noodles have been nicknamed “year-crossing noodles”. These noodles represent a long life, and also it is believed that eating them symbolizes a literal break from the old year.

10. South Africa

People in South Africa throw their old appliances and furniture out of their windows to bid farewell to the old year and ring in the new year. They believe that it would bring them good fortune in the coming year.

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11. Brazil

Brazil has a tradition of tossing white flowers into the sea. As sacrifices to Yemoja, a water god who can bring good fortune in the upcoming year, locals throw white flowers and candles into the Atlantic Ocean.

12. Scotland

In Scotland, they have a tradition for the new year called “First Footing.” Scots think that a dark-haired guy should ideally be the first person to enter a residence on New Year’s Day after midnight in order to bring in a prosperous new year.

Wishing you and your family a very happy and prosperous new year.

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Top 10 Interesting Facts About Christmas

November 24, 2022 admin

Christmas is a popular holiday all over the world, and both young kids and adults dearly look forward to celebrating it every year. Everyone is super excited to decorate their Christmas trees and receive gifts from Santa Claus. While it’s a popular holiday celebrated all over the world, it is religiously observed in western countries such as the US and the UK. People go to churches and attend masses to offer their prayers and receive blessings from Jesus Christ. Streets, houses, and shops are decorated with lights, Christmas trees, and festive food items. People are seen donning classic white and red Santa hats and Christmas-themed sweaters to mark the occasion.

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All the celebrations aside, let’s read about some Christmas facts that you might find interesting.

Top 10 Facts About Christmas That Are Strange But True

1. Christmas Wasn’t Always Celebrated on 25th December

Yes, you read that right! While the 25th of December is widely celebrated as Christmas Day to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, it is nowhere mentioned as such in the Bible. No one actually knows the exact date of Jesus Christ’s birth.

2. Christmas Trees Are A Part of An Ancient Tradition

We’re all familiar with the evergreen fir trees that have become a part of Christmas celebrations all over the world. However, the introduction of fir trees as part of decoration dates back to the 16th century. It is believed that Ancient Romans and Egyptians would use evergreen trees as a symbol of long-lasting life and to mark the return of Spring.

3. Who Was Santa Claus?

Santa Claus is a fictional character based on a Christian Bishop named St. Nicholas. While he didn’t wear the classic red suit and hat, he was a very generous Bishop who gave away his inheritance to the poor and needy people. He also loved children and was known to give them gifts secretly. He was called Sinter Klaas in Dutch which was later modernized to be called Santa Claus.

4. There Are A Total of 9 Reindeer

We all know that our dear Santa wouldn’t be able to deliver our gifts if he didn’t have his team of fantastic reindeer. These nine amazing reindeer who help Santa fly his sleigh are called Dasher, Vixen, Prancer, Dancer, Comet, Donner, Cupid, Blitzen, and Rudolph.

5. ‘Jingle Bells’ Wasn’t Originally A Christmas Song

Can you believe it? We can’t either! The famous Christmas song called ‘Jingle Bells’ wasn’t originally written for Christmas. The song was written by James Lord Pierpont in the 1800s for Thanksgiving, and was titled ‘One Horse Open Sleigh.’ It was later re-released under the title ‘Jingle Bells’ and is now the most popular Christmas song all over the world.

6. Norway Sends A Christmas Tree to London, Every Year!

In the spirit of Christmas, the Norway government has been sending the iconic large Christmas tree to London since 1947. Trafalgar Square in London is a very popular tourist attraction that showcases a 20 feet tall tree that is decked with fairy lights. This gesture is extended by Norway as a token of gratitude for Britain’s support during World War II.

7. Christmas Was Once Banned for 20 Years

Believe it or not, the popular festival of Christmas was banned in England and soon in America as well. The government believed that people are forgetting the religious meaning of Christmas and getting lost in the festivities. The ban started in 1659 and continued for two long decades until 1681. People who were caught celebrating during this period were penalized.

8. Santa Claus Also Has A Postal Code

Many people encourage their children to write letters to Santa Claus telling him how well they have been throughout the year. And some kind people from the Canadian postal authority started writing back to these kids which resulted in more people writing to them. Since then, the Canadian postal service has set up a special postal code for addressing the letter to Santa Claus. The postal code is- HOH OHO!

9. The Red Suit Wasn’t The Original Santa Suit

While we’ve grown to associate Santa with his red suit, it wasn’t always his costume. For many years, Father Christmas wore green, blue, and purple clothes. However, as a part of their campaign, Coca-Cola dressed up Santa in a red suit that matched their brand colors, and the rest is history!

10. Alabama Was The First American State To Recognize Christmas As A Holiday

Although Christmas is a religious celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, it wasn’t considered a holiday everywhere. Alabama was the first state in the US that recognized 25th December i.e. Christmas as a public holiday in 1836. And do you know which was the last American state to recognize Christmas as a holiday? Oklahoma declared Christmas a holiday in the year 1907.

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Category: Festivals