Recalling the country’s long history of war triumphs, Nandini Rao points out festivals celebrating victory reflect the rich cultural heritage and diversity of India. They not only teach us valuable lessons about life and morality, they also remind us to uphold our values and virtues against all odds. They come across as inspiration for us to overcome challenges and difficulties with courage and faith.
India, through the ages, has been the epicentre of battles starting from the epic Mahabharat. As a result, battleground and victory customs, before and after battles, form an integral part of the cultural ethos of India.
From the conquests of Ashoka to the Chola dynasty’s maritime triumphs, India’s history is punctuated by victories that continue to influence its cultural fabric. There are several festivals that celebrate victories and observe customs and rituals that have stood the test of time.
One of the longest epics of the world, Mahabharat narrates the events and aftermath of a war of succession that took place between the Pandavas and the Kauravas in the battle of Kurukshetra. The battle was fought centuries ago but it greatly affected the collective conscience of the people in the subcontinent and set stage for a tradition of celebrating victories.
Interestingly, in Mahabharat, a small character known as Iravan had died a heroic death in the 18-day-long battle at Kurukshetra. In South India, even today people practice a tradition where the character’s self-sacrifice is honoured. In the epic, Iravan had made a sacrifice to please the gods to ensure the Pandavas win the war.
Iravan or Aravan or Aravat or Kuttantavar was the son of Arjun and Naga princess Ulupi (aka Uluchi or Ulupika). The legend of Kuttantavar is mentioned in the Kuttantavar Sthala Purana and the Kuttantavar tradition is observed by the Tamils and the Draupadi cult followers. In Tamil Nadu’s Koovagam, an 18-day-long festival is celebrated where they re-enact the sacrifice made by Iravan.
Triumph of good over evil
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is perhaps the most renowned victory celebration in India. It commemorates Lord Ram’s return after defeating Ravan, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil, and of knowledge over ignorance.
Deepavali or Diwali is connected to various religious events and deities but most popularly to the return of Ram to his kingdom after spending 14 years in exile and after defeating Ravan to bring back his wife, Sita.
The most important national festival of the year in India, Diwali tops all other festivals with its lengthy, large-scale, and multi-faith celebrations. It is observed in late October or early November, depending on the lunar calendar. People light up oil lamps, candles and fireworks to symbolise the illumination of their homes and hearts. They also exchange gifts, sweets and greetings with their family and friends.
Diwali commemorates different historical and mythological events, such as the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravan, the killing of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, god of wisdom and remover of all obstacles – the Vighnaharta.
Legends and belief
In Kerala, Onam is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm. The festival commemorates the return of the beloved King Mahabali and is a testament to the victory of benevolence and humility over pride and arrogance. Onam is celebrated in the month of Chingam and the ten-day festival starts from Atham and ends on Ponnonam.
The festival is celebrated by everyone in the state, from different religions and communities. Onam is observed in late August or early September, depending on the solar calendar. Onam celebrates the homecoming of King Mahabali, a benevolent ruler who was banished to the underworld by Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar.
According to legend, King Mahabali, a demon king, was granted a boon to visit his subjects once a year during Onam. On this occasion, people decorate their homes with floral arrangements called pookalam, prepare a grand feast called sadya, wear traditional clothes called mundu and kasavu saree, play games and sports called onakalikal, and enjoy boat races called vallamkali. Onam symbolises the victory of humility over pride and generosity over greed.
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a festival that celebrates the victory of the tenth day. It marks the end of Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms. Dussehra also commemorates two epic events – the killing of demon Mahishasur by Goddess Durga and the killing of the demon king Ravan by Lord Ram.
Both these events signify the triumph of good over evil and justice over injustice. On this day, people perform rituals, offer prayers and burn effigies of Ravan and his brothers to celebrate their defeat.
Festivals and flags
Bonderam is a festival of victory that is celebrated in Goa, especially on the Divar Island which is located close to capital Panjim. It is also known as the Festival of Flags, as it involves the display and knocking down of colourful flags by rival groups.
The flag festival has a historical origin, dating back to the 17th century when the Portuguese ruled Goa and tried to settle the land disputes among the local communities by using flags as markers. However, this led to more conflicts, as the people would often destroy each other’s flags.
To commemorate this tradition, Bonderam is celebrated every year on the fourth Saturday of August, with a lot of fun and frolic. People dress up in costumes, parade with floats, and throw berries or peppercorns at each other’s flags using bamboo sticks called fotash. Bonderam is a festival that celebrates the spirit of unity, harmony and joy among the people of Goa.
Holi, another popular festival in India that transcends communities, also celebrates the victory of faith over evil, as it is associated with the legend of Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu who was saved from his evil father Hiranyakashyap by the divine intervention of Lord Narasimha.
The demon king Hiranyakashyap won the earth and demanded everyone worshipped only him. His son Prahlad refused to do so as he was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Angered by the defiance, the king tried to kill his son but failed each time. He then asked Holika, his sister, to enter a fire with Prahlad as she had a boon that fire won’t hurt her. Prahlad kept chanting Lord Vishnu or Narayan’s name and was unscathed with the fire. Holika, on the other hand, had to pay a price with her life as the boon worked only when she entered the fire alone.
The festival Holi is derived from the name Holika and celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated as the victory of a devout and teaches everyone that a true devotee can never be harmed.
Time-honoured customs
Some of the common features during such festivals are the intricate art work of Rangoli, adorning doorsteps as it symbolises victory, prosperity and the triumph of creativity over monotony.
The tradition of distributing sweets after a victory is a gesture that transcends generations, binding communities in the joy of triumph and is almost always a part of such festivals.
Festivals celebrating victory reflect the rich cultural heritage and diversity of India. They also teach us valuable lessons about life and morality. They remind us to uphold our values and virtues against all odds. They inspire us to overcome our challenges and difficulties with courage and faith.