Dussehra - A Celebration Of Female Divinity
Dussehra is an important festival in India that lasts for nine nights and ten days. The festival is celebrated in various forms in different parts of the country. The festival ends on the tenth day called Vijayadashami which means “victory on the tenth day”. Dussehra kicks off the preparation for Diwali which is 20 days later. During these nine nights and ten days, nine different forms of the goddess are worshipped.
- Goddess Shailputri:
Goddess Shailputri is the first manifestation of Goddess Durga. She holds a Trishul in one hand and a lotus in the other and rides a bull called Nandi.
- Goddess Brahmacharini:
The second day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini. The goddess walks bare feet with a rudraksha mala in one hand and a sacred Kamandalu in the other.
- Goddess Chandraghanta:
The third day of Navratri is of Goddess Chandraghanta. She is a fierce 10-armed goddess with a crescent moon on her forehead and rides the tiger.
- Goddess Kushmanda:
Chaturthi or the fourth day of Navratri is of Devi Kushmanda. The name Kushmanda is derived from three words – ‘Ku’ (little), ‘Ushma’ (warmth or energy), and ‘Amnda’ (egg), which means the creator of the universe.
- Goddess Skandmata:
Goddess Skandmata who is worshipped on the fifth day is also known as Panchami. Skandmata is a four-armed deity, who carries a lotus in two of her arms with a sacred Kamandalu and a bell in the other two. She also carries a little Kartikay on her lap and because of this Kartikay is also known as Skanda. She is seated on a lotus.
- Goddess Katyayani:
The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani. She has four arms and carrying a sword. She is the daughter of Sage Katyayan and rides on a lion.
- Goddess Kaalratri:
Saptami or the seventh day of Navratri is of Goddess Kaalratri. She is a four-armed deity who rides a donkey, carries a sword, a trident, and a noose. She has a third eye on her forehead.
- Goddess Mahagauri:
Durga Ashtami or the eight-day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri. She is a four-armed deity who rides on a bull or a white elephant. She carries a Trishul and a damru in her hands.
- Goddess Siddhidatri:
The ninth or the final day of Navratri is of Goddess Siddhidhatri. She is projected as a four-armed deity sitting on a lotus, holding a mace, discus, and a book and lotus in her hands.
- To KNOW more about the deities and what to offer them during Navaratri visit these:
- Nine forms of goddesses and worship
- Navaratri goddesses
Dussehra is celebrated with unique traditions in different parts of India. Few are discussed here –
Traditions Of Dussehra
Burning the Effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakarna-
The effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna, and Meghnath are set on fire demonstrating the victory of good over evil. The celebrations include spectacular fireworks and cultural performances.
Exchange of Apta Leaves With Friends and Family–
The exchange of Apta Leaves or Green Gold on Dussehra has deep significance. This ritual is about expressing happiness and respect. There are two trees associated with the festival of Dussehra; Shami, and Apta.
- Unique Gujarati Dance Garba –
In Gujarat, several competitions are held where people dance on devotional songs. The costumes worn by both men and women give a unique touch to the celebrations. Dussehra celebrations in Gujarat are unique with the vibrant Garba dance.
- Worship Tools or Weapons–
It is a custom to worship tools that better our lives on Dussehra. This ritual shows respect to tools. This well-known tradition is to worship tools that are means of fighting evil.
Dussehra is celebrated with unique traditions in different parts of India. It’s almost as if we’re giving ourselves the time and space to rejuvenate and cleanse from within. The main message is the victory of good over evil. To know more about the traditions and customs of Dussehra visit here-–
