Published 22:50 IST, October 7th 2019
Ravan Dahan Amritsar: How Dussehra is celebrated in Amritsar
Ravan Dahan is celebrated all over India in various ways. Here are places in Amritsar that you need to visit on the occasion of Dussehra. Read more to know.
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Dussehra is celebrated to mark the victory of the forces of Good lead by the Rama against the epitome of Evil, Ravana. Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, is celebrated at the end of Navratri every year, that falls on the 10th day of the month Ashvin. This Hindu festival is celebrated differently across various parts of India. The demon king Ravana is defeated by the God-King Rama, and Ravan Dahan commemorates the day Lord Rama killed Ravana. Ravan Dahan usually begins with the performance of Ramleela, that is a short performance of the events of the epic Ramayana. In the end, when Rama kills Ravana in a fierce battle an effigy of Ravana, with 10 heads is burned.
The origin of Dussehra
The origin of Dussehra is linked to the epic Ramayana. According to Ramayana, Prince Rama is exiled from his kingdom. He along with his brother Laxman and wife Sita move to a forest to live a simple life away from the riches. One fine day while living in the forest they come across a golden deer. Seeing the deer, Sita asks Rama to catch it for her. But it turns out to be a trap to lure Rama and Laxman away from Sita. The deer is a shapeshifter demon Marich sent by Ravana, who is infatuated by Sita and desires her. He manages to kidnap her. This sets in motion the events that lead to the defeat and death of Ravana by the hands of Rama. Lord Rama along with the Vanar-Sena defeat the forces of evil lead by the Demon King Ravana and end his reign of terror. The day Rama killed Ravana is celebrated as Dussehra.
How Dussehra is celebrated in Amritsar
In Amritsar, Dussehra will be celebrated on October 8 this year. The celebration begins with a performance of Ramleela, that is a short performance of the events of the epic Ramayana. In the end, a giant effigy of Ravana with 10 heads is burned, which signifies the victory of good over evil.
In different parts of India, it is celebrated in different ways. In northern states, it is celebrated with a performance of Ramleela. In Bengal, Durga Pooja is the main function. Women wear the colour white and red for the pooja. In Karnataka, on the occasion Dussehra, household and work-related tools are blessed. In Maharashtra, a leaf of the apta tree, whose scientific name is Bauhinia racemosa, is exchanged. On Dussehra, the leaf is called as 'sona' or gold.
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18:44 IST, October 7th 2019