Diwali and Dussehra, two of India’s most cherished festivals, embody the timeless struggle between light and darkness, and good and evil. Diwali, the festival of lights, rejoices in the return of Lord Rama and the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, while Dussehra commemorates the vanquishing of demons by Lord Rama and Goddess Durga. Together, these festivals weave a vibrant tapestry of legends, rituals, and cultural splendour, drawing millions to their sacred sites and infusing India with a spirit of joy, reverence, and renewal, observes Ruchi Verma.
Among the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali and Dussehra stand out as two of the most significant and widely celebrated, each steeped in deep historical, cultural, and religious significance. These festivals are not merely rituals but are woven into the very fabric of Indian life, symbolising the eternal victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. They also mark auspicious periods when devotees flock to revered temples and pilgrimage sites, seeking blessings and participating in grand celebrations.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is perhaps the most widely celebrated festival in India, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. The name ‘Diwali’ is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Deep’ (light) and ‘Avali’ (row), which together mean ‘a row of lights’. The festival, which lasts for a few days, is a celebration of light, prosperity, and joy. It marks the triumph of light over darkness and is associated with several legends and historical events.
Return of Lord Ram
Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Ram, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile, and the defeat of the demon king Ravana. According to the epic Ramayan, the citizens of Ayodhya welcomed their beloved prince by lighting rows of oil lamps, thus marking the beginning of the festival of lights. This symbolises the victory of righteousness and the restoration of dharma.
Another significant legend relates to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that on Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk during the churning of the sea (Samudra Manthan) and married Lord Vishnu. Hence, Diwali is also a time for performing Lakshmi Puja, where devotees seek the goddess’s blessings for prosperity and well-being.
In Jainism, Diwali marks the nirvana, or spiritual awakening, of Lord Mahavir, the last of the 24 Tirthankaras. On Diwali, Mahavir breathed his last to attain nirvana, in a place called Pavapuri in modern-day Bihar, and end the cycle of birth and rebirth. During this time, devout Jains meditate, fast, pray, etc., and listen to the Uttaradhyana Sutra which contains the final teachings of Lord Mahavir. On the third day, Indrabhuti Gautam who was the chief disciple of Mahavir attained enlightenment too.
Similarly, in Sikhism, the festival is celebrated to commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib and 52 princes from the Gwalior Fort under Emperor Jehangir, symbolising freedom and justice. The auspicious day of Diwali is a day to remember the revered guru of the 17th century and is known among them as Bandi Chhor Divas i.e., Liberation Day.
Diverse celebrations
Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur. The festivities begin with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to wealth, where people buy new utensils and gold, symbolising good luck. This is followed by Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, commemorating Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.
The main day of Diwali is marked by Lakshmi Puja, where home and the place of work are cleaned and decorated with rangoli, and oil lamps are lit to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Diwali is observed on the darkest night of the year called Kartik Amavasya which falls in the Hindu month of Kartik. The celebration continues with Govardhan Puja and culminates with Bhai Dooj, celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
During the festival, the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya holds immense significance. The city is adorned with countless earthen lamps, recreating the welcome given to Lord Ram. The Ram Ki Paidi ghats along the Saryu River become a mesmerising sight as thousands of diyas or oil lamps float on the water, illuminating the night.
Amritsar’s Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikhs, is spectacularly lit up, and the reflections of the illuminated temple in the holy Sarovar (pond) create a breathtaking scene. The day is marked with kirtans, langar (community meals), and fireworks.
The town of Shirdi, in Maharashtra, home to the revered Sai Baba, sees thousands of devotees during Diwali. The Sai Baba Temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and special prayers and bhajans are conducted. Devotees offer sweets and seek the blessings of Sai Baba for peace and prosperity.
The twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, associated with the life of Lord Krishna, celebrate Diwali with unique rituals. The temples, especially the Banke Bihari Temple and the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, are beautifully decorated. The Govardhan Puja, performed the day after Diwali, is especially significant here, commemorating Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Parbat (Govardhan mountain) to protect the villagers from Indra’s wrath in form of torrential rains.
In Goa, Diwali is celebrated with processions and festivities seeing the burning of Narkasur, the demon king who was killed by Lord Krishna on Naraka Chaturdashi. A big effigy of the demon king is burned symbolising the victory of good over evil. The effigy is built with great care and detail by the youth of Goan villages and vaddos or settlements.
Good over evil
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is another major Indian festival that symbolises the victory of good over evil. Celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, it marks the culmination of the nine-day festival of Navratri. Dussehra is celebrated with great fervour across the country, with diverse customs and traditions reflecting the rich cultural heritage.
The most renowned legend associated with Dussehra is the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka. According to the Ramayan, after an epic battle, Ram defeated Ravana to rescue his wife Sita. The burning of effigies of Ravana, along with his brothers Kumbhakarna and son Meghnad, is a central part of Dussehra celebrations, symbolising the destruction of evil.
Another legend associated with Dussehra is the victory of Goddess Durga over demon Mahishasura. The goddess fought the demon for nine nights and ten days, finally vanquishing him on the tenth day. This victory is celebrated as Dussehra, particularly in the eastern parts of India, where it coincides with Durga Puja.
In the southern state of Karnataka, particularly in the city of Mysuru, Dussehra celebrations are a spectacle. Known as Mysore Dasara, it commemorates the triumph of the goddess Chamundeshwari or Durga over demon Mahishasura. The Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill, dedicated to the fierce form of Goddess Durga, becomes a focal point of devotion. The Mysore Palace is illuminated, and a grand procession featuring the idol of the goddess on a golden palanquin is a highlight of the celebrations.
One of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi celebrates Dussehra with great religious fervour. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a major pilgrimage site. The city is known for its unique Ramlila performances, which culminate in the symbolic killing of Ravana on Dussehra.
In Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, Durga Puja and Dussehra are celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm. The city’s numerous pandals house elaborate idols of Goddess Durga. The immersion of these idols in the Hooghly River, accompanied by chants and music, is a significant event.
In Himachal Pradesh, the Kullu Dussehra is a week-long festival that attracts visitors from all over India and abroad. Unlike other parts of India, where effigies of Ravana are burned, the Kullu Dussehra focuses on the worship of Lord Raghunath. The festival features a grand procession and cultural events, highlighting the unique traditions of the region.