The Indian festival of Navratri concludes with the immersion of Goddess Durga’s idols, an event celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. This festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, commemorating Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s defeat of the demon Mahishasura.
Over the past ten days, men and women alike have invoked the feminine power of nature through diverse cultural expressions and joyous celebrations. In Indian tradition, numerous goddesses are worshipped under different names, each associated with distinct roles and powers. During Navratri, the worship of the Goddess Durga embodies the synergy of three principal deities: Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The festival reflects a variety of beliefs and the unwavering faith and devotion of the people.
According to mythological tales, Goddess Durga vanquished the demon Mahishasura, establishing the significance of good triumphing over evil. Similarly, another belief holds that Lord Rama defeated the ten-headed demon Ravana, freeing Goddess Sita from his clutches. Consequently, many Indian states organize the ritual of Ravana Dahan (burning of Ravana’s effigy) on Vijayadashami.
The core message of both these cultural events is the victory of good over evil. This triumph not only signifies defeating external evils like Ravana or Mahishasura but also points to overcoming the inner demons—ego, anger, and greed—within each individual. The nine nights of Navratri and Vijayadashami inspire us to engage in spiritual practices that foster positive change for personal and societal well-being.
Let us explore how various Indian states celebrate this festival with their unique cultural and religious traditions, with a particular focus on West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and the South Indian states.
Vijayadashami in West Bengal: A Grand Celebration of Goddess Durga and Cultural Richness
In West Bengal, Vijayadashami marks the emotional and grand culmination of Durga Puja, symbolizing Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. This festival is a vibrant celebration of feminine power, devotion, and communal unity, deeply rooted in Bengali culture.
The tradition of Sindoor Khela (the play of vermilion) is particularly cherished on this day.
Married women, dressed in traditional white handwoven Garad sarees with red borders, apply vermilion to the forehead and cheeks of Goddess Durga’s idol and then to each other, celebrating marital bliss and feminine strength. In Bengali belief, Goddess Durga is seen as a daughter visiting her parental home for these ten days, where she is honored with dance, music, natural offerings, and delicious bhog (sacred food).
Dhunuchi Nritya Offering
On Vijayadashami, her farewell is as emotional as that of a married daughter, a poignant moment for devotees. On this occasion, the Dhunuchi Nritya (dance with incense burners) is performed before Goddess Durga. Women or priests dance with earthen censers (dhunuchi) containing burning coconut husks, incense, and camphor, which emit smoke symbolizing the purification of the air and the dispelling of negativity.
The dance is performed to the rhythmic beats of the dhak, a traditional drum adorned with kash flowers (grown alongside paddy) or white bird feathers, creating a festive and natural visual spectacle that infuses the celebration with zeal and devotion.
The Dhunuchi Nritya is associated with themes of victory, empowerment, and faith. Skilled performers, or women, sometimes hold the dhunuchi between their teeth in competitive displays, showcasing their devotion and artistry.
Skilled performers, or women, sometimes hold the dhunuchi between their teeth in competitive displays, showcasing their devotion and artistry.
On Vijayadashami, the Visarjan (immersion) ceremony takes place, where idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in rivers or water bodies, symbolizing her return to her divine abode. In Kolkata, Siliguri, and other cities, the festival reaches its peak with the rhythmic beats of the dhak, devotional songs, and colorful processions. This celebration not only honors Goddess Durga’s power but also underscores Bengal’s cultural richness, communal unity, and profound devotion.
Vijayadashami in Bihar: The Cultural Celebration of Khoichha and Ravana Dahan
In Bihar, Vijayadashami is a symbol of devotion, communal unity, and cultural richness. The Khoichha tradition holds special significance, where married women offer Goddess Durga a red cotton or silk Chunari, adorned with raw rice (Arwa Chawal), green durva grass, whole turmeric pieces, sindoor (red vermilion powder), white sugar candies (batashe), red flowers (especially hibiscus), sweets, coins (one, five, or other odd numbers in money), and other offerings.
These are placed in small baskets and presented to the goddess on the tenth day of Navratri as part of her emotional farewell.
The Khoichha ritual, also practiced during a daughter’s farewell after marriage in Bihari families, symbolizes wishes for the prosperity of her family. This tradition strengthens social bonds while expressing devotion to Goddess Durga. The nine days of Navratri culminate on Vijayadashami with the farewell of Goddess Durga and Ravana Dahan.
In many places, Ramlila performances are organized, dramatically reenacting Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Large effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnath, filled with firecrackers, are set ablaze, symbolizing the destruction of evil and the triumph of righteousness. Fairs, cultural performances, and devotional events in rural and urban areas make the festival even more vibrant. This celebration not only promotes spirituality but also highlights Bihar’s cultural unity and communal spirit.
Vijayadashami in Uttar Pradesh: The Heartland of Ramlila and Ravana Dahan
In Uttar Pradesh, Vijayadashami is celebrated with unmatched grandeur as the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana. The highlight is the spectacular Ravana Dahan, where towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnath — often as tall as 60 to 100 feet — are stuffed with firecrackers and set ablaze before massive crowds. This symbolic destruction of evil attracts lakhs of spectators every year, especially in cities like Varanasi, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Ayodhya.
Ramlila: A Living Tradition
- The Ramlila of Ramnagar (Varanasi), which dates back to the 18th century under King Udit Narayan Singh, is one of the longest-running theatrical traditions in the world, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- Performed over 30 days in some regions (not just nine), it reenacts the entire Ramayana, blending devotion, drama, and folklore.
- Local artisans, performers, and communities take pride in passing down this cultural heritage generation after generation.
Ayodhya: The Sacred Epicenter
- In Ayodhya, believed to be Lord Rama’s birthplace, Vijayadashami holds exceptional significance.
- Celebrations include grand processions of Ram Lalla’s idol, devotional singing, massive gatherings along the Sarayu River, and cultural programs supported by the state government.
- The Deepotsav festival in Ayodhya, where millions of lamps are lit on the ghats, has been recognized by Guinness World Records in recent years.
Shastra Puja: Reverence for Power and Duty
- Alongside Ramayana traditions, Vijayadashami in Uttar Pradesh also includes Shastra Puja (worship of weapons), rooted in the belief that tools and arms should be honored before use.
- Farmers, artisans, and soldiers alike clean and worship their instruments, symbolizing respect for the means of livelihood and protection.
Social and Spiritual Significance
- The festival transcends spectacle, imparting a moral lesson: the eradication of arrogance, greed, and anger within oneself.
- Communities see it as a reaffirmation of dharma (righteousness) and collective harmony.
- It also marks the preparation for the next major festival — Diwali, celebrated twenty days later, symbolizing Lord Rama’s homecoming.
Vijayadashami in Northeast India
- Celebration in Sikkim
Vijayadashami is celebrated as “Dashain”, the most significant festival for the Nepali-speaking Gorkha community. Devotees worship Goddess Durga and Lord Rama. On the tenth day (Dashami), elders bless younger family members with tika (vermilion paste) and jamara (barley sprouts), symbolizing prosperity and protection.
The festival also serves as a time for family reunions, featuring traditional dances like Maruni and feasts that include goat curry and sel roti (rice doughnuts).
- Manipur
In Manipur, Vijayadashami is primarily celebrated by the Hindu-Vaishnavite community, focusing on Lord Rama’s victory and Ravana’s defeat. Special prayers and bhajan-sankirtan are held at Shri Rama temples. In some areas, Ramlila performances are staged. The festival is enriched with local Manipuri dance and music, adding a unique cultural flavor.
- Meghalaya
In Meghalaya, Vijayadashami is primarily observed in urban areas, such as Shillong, by the Bengali and Assamese communities through the celebration of Durga Puja. Pandal decorations, Sindoor Khela, and idol immersions mark the day. While the local Khasi and Garo tribes do not traditionally celebrate, urban festivities include cultural programs that reflect a blend of traditions.
Vijayadashami in South Indian States: Ayudha Puja, Vidyarambham, and the Unique Kulasekarapattinam Festival
In the South Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala, Vijayadashami is celebrated with Ayudha Puja and Vidyarambham, emphasizing reverence for knowledge and livelihood.
Dussehra in Karnataka
The world-famous Mysuru Dasara features the worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari and the grand Jamboo Savari (elephant procession). Ayudha Puja involves worshipping tools, vehicles, and books, while temples host vibrant music and dance performances.
Kulasai Dussehra in Tamil Nadu
Ayudha Puja and the Golu tradition (display of dolls depicting mythological scenes) conclude on Vijayadashami. In the coastal town of Kulasekarapattinam, the Kulasai Dussehra is a unique spectacle centered around the 300-year-old Arulmigu Mutharamman Temple. Over ten days, culminating on Vijayadashami, thousands of devotees dress as gods, goddesses, demons, kings, and animals, transforming the streets into a living mythological stage.
With colorful face paint and elaborate costumes, devotees channel the spirits of the deities, offering blessings, collecting donations, or making predictions. The highlight is a dramatic reenactment of Goddess Durga slaying Mahishasura, followed by a grand procession to the seashore for a sacred dip, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Local legends describe Goddess Mutharamman as Lalithambigai, who assumes a powerful form over nine days to defeat the demon Magisasuran on the tenth. This festival is a vibrant blend of mythology, faith, and performance.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Bathukamma, Ayudha Puja, and Vijayadashami Traditions
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Vijayadashami carries a unique regional flavor, blending devotion to the Divine Feminine with local cultural expressions.
Bathukamma: Festival of Flowers in Telangana
- The nine-day Bathukamma festival, celebrated predominantly in Telangana, culminates on Vijayadashami.
- Women create vibrant, cone-shaped floral arrangements using seasonal flowers like marigolds, chrysanthemums, lotus, and gunuka. These arrangements are stacked in layers, forming a floral tower.
- Groups of women gather in the evenings, place their Bathukammas in the center, sing traditional folk songs in praise of Goddess Gauri (a form of Parvati), and dance around them in circles.
- On Vijayadashami, these floral arrangements are taken in a grand procession and immersed in rivers, ponds, or lakes, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and harmony with nature.
- Bathukamma is also recognized as the State Festival of Telangana, reflecting the deep cultural identity of the region. Check for more info about the Bathukamma festival at https://journals-times.com/2022/09/24/bathukamma-a-unique-floral-festival-that-nourishes-the-sisterhood/
Ayudha Puja: Honoring Work and Tools
- Alongside Bathukamma, Ayudha Puja is observed in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- People worship their tools, agricultural implements, books, musical instruments, and vehicles — offering flowers, kumkum, and incense sticks.
- Farmers decorate plows, artisans worship their tools, and even modern equipment like computers and vehicles is honored, symbolizing gratitude for livelihood and progress.
- Temples conduct special rituals, and families cook festive dishes to mark the day. Many people also give vegetable or fruit sacrifices.
Symbolic and Sacrificial Offerings on Vijyadashmi
Across India, Vijayadashami and Durga Puja are observed with diverse rituals that reflect both devotion and deep cultural roots. In many parts of South India, communities offer vegetables and fruits such as pumpkins, sugarcane, coconuts, and other seasonal produce to the Goddess as a mark of gratitude for nature’s bounty. A symbolic ritual often performed is the breaking of a pumpkin, sometimes painted to represent opposing forces, signifying the destruction of evil and the arrival of prosperity. These practices highlight the agrarian connection of the festival, where harvest and devotion come together.
Gujarat: The Shami tree is worshipped, and the Garba Dance Offering
In Gujarat, Vijayadashami combines the festive spirit of Navratri with traditional agrarian customs. After nine nights of Garba and Dandiya, devotees perform special aartis and bid farewell to Goddess Durga. The Shami tree is worshipped; its leaves are exchanged as symbols of gold and prosperity, recalling the legend of the Pandavas. Farmers, artisans, and business owners also observe Ayudha Puja, decorating tools, vehicles, and instruments with flowers and kumkum to seek blessings for success and protection.
Vijyadashmi in Maharashtra is a New Beginning
- Ayudha and Shastra Puja: Tools, weapons, vehicles, and books are worshipped, symbolizing gratitude for livelihood and protection. Farmers, traders, and students honor their tools of work.
- Simollanghan and Shami Puja: The Shami tree is worshipped, and its Apta leaves are exchanged for prosperity. Simollanghan (crossing boundaries) signifies new beginnings, inspired by the traditions of Lord Rama and Chhatrapati Shivaji.
- Ravana Dahan: In cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnath are burned, symbolizing the destruction of evil, often accompanied by Ramlila performances.
- Cultural Events and Feasts: Fairs, traditional dances like Lavani, and dishes like Puran Poli and Modak enliven the festivities. Families exchange greetings and sweets.
- New Beginnings: Considered auspicious, Vijayadashami is an ideal time for starting a business, buying property, or initiating education.
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