Celebrating Dussehra and Diwali: A Journey Through India's Festive Spirit

Diyas & Candles for Diwali

Flower decoration for Diwali

Ramayana dolls

Dussehra & Diwali -India Festivals

NEW DELHI, DELHI, INDIA, October 16, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Festivals hold a special place in Indian culture as they bring people together, foster a sense of community, and celebrate the rich traditions and heritage of the country.

Two important festivals in India are Dussehra and Diwali.

Dussehra is celebrated to honor the female deity, Shakti,known in different forms & names as Durga,Lakshmi & Saraswathy. Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami and is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. It marks the culmination of Navratri (9 nights) celebrations and symbolizes the victory of good over evil.The goddess is worshipped for 9 days & nights .On the 10th day that she is set to have conquered & defeated the demon Mahishashura.

Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the most widely celebrated festival in India. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is celebrated over five days. The festival is marked by decorating homes with rangoli, exchanging sweets and gifts, lighting fireworks, and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. It is celebrated pan India.

These festivals not only highlight the rich cultural tapestry of India but also bring people together in joyous celebration.

Origins and Mythological Background
Dussehra finds its roots in Indian mythology. The word ‘Dussehra’ is derived from Sanskrit: ‘Dasha’ meaning ten and ‘hara’ meaning defeat, signifying the defeat of the ten-headed demon king Ravana by Lord Rama. This legend, chronicled in the ancient epic Ramayana, narrates how Rama, the embodiment of virtue, courage, and loyalty, waged a war against Ravana who had abducted Sita, Rama’s consort. With the help of his brother Lakshmana & the monkey god Hanuman, Rama vanquished Ravana, restoring dharma and justice.

Rituals and Celebrations Across India
The grandeur of Dussehra is manifested through myriad rituals, performances, and community activities. (https://www.shopkhoj.com/ethnic-dresses-for-women/) While customs may vary across regions, the essence remains universal: the celebration of goodness and moral integrity.(https://www.shopkhoj.com/navratri/)

Ramlila Performances and Effigy Burning
One of the most iconic features of Dussehra in North India is the staging of Ramlila, a dramatic retelling of the Ramayana through elaborate theatre, music, and dance. These performances, often held in open-air grounds, culminate with the burning of towering effigies of Ravana, Meghnath (Ravana’s son), and Kumbhkaran (Ravana’s brother). The symbolic destruction of these effigies, accompanied by fireworks and cheers, serves as a powerful reminder that evil, no matter how formidable, can be overcome by righteousness.

Processions and Festivities
In cities like Mysuru in Karnataka, Dussehra is celebrated with regal grandeur. The Mysuru Dasara (https://www.shopkhoj.com/dasara/)is renowned for its vibrant processions, featuring decorated elephants, folk dancers, musicians, and tableaux that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The Mysuru Palace, bathed in thousands of lights, becomes a centrepiece of festivities, drawing visitors from far and wide.

In West Bengal and other parts of eastern India, Vijayadashami marks the immersion of beautifully crafted Durga idols (https://www.shopkhoj.com/navratri-2025/)in rivers and lakes. After days of worship, devotees bid farewell to the goddess with processions, songs, and dances, invoking her blessings for the year ahead.

Symbolism and Contemporary Relevance
Dussehra’s timeless message holds profound relevance in today’s world. Schools and organizations often seize the opportunity to impart lessons on ethics and values, encouraging people of all ages to draw inspiration from the tales of Rama and Durga. The festival also fosters communal harmony, as people from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate, transcending barriers of caste, creed, and region.

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important festivals in India. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur across the country.
Diwali is celebrated over five days, each with its own significance:
1. Dhanteras: The first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras, is dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of medicine and health.
2. Chhoti Diwali: The second day, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People light lamps to dispel darkness and negativity .
3. Main Diwali: The third day is the main day of Diwali, also known as Lakshmi Puja. On this day, people worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Homes are illuminated with diyas (oil lamps), candles, and electric lights, creating a festive and auspicious atmosphere .

During Diwali, shopping Markets and Malls are lit up in beautiful colourful lights .There is a grandeur ,joy & cheer everywhere. White good companies, Automakers and even Amazon , announce discounts and sales. Everyone is in a purchasing mood.

Diwali is celebrated with various customs and rituals, including decorating homes with rangoli (colorful patterns made with colored powders or sand), exchanging sweets and gifts, and lighting fireworks. Diwali dressing in traditional clothes is a joyful activity. The festival brings families and communities together, spreading joy, peace, and prosperity.

Diwali also helps several charitable organisations to raise funds during this season. They hold special fairs ,such as the Blind School Fair in Delhi where several products made by the students are on display .

Mesh is another organisation that promotes its products in a big way, during Diwali

Eco-Friendly Celebrations
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of festival activities, such as the use of firecrackers, non-biodegradable materials in effigies and idols, and pollution caused by large-scale immersions. Many communities and organizations have embraced eco-friendly practices, opting for biodegradable effigies, natural colors, and minimalistic decorations.

About Shopkhoj
India is a shopper’s paradise offering a wealth of products and an incredible range to choose from. In other words,be it the most traditional jewellery to go with your Kanjeevaram saree, or that perfect lamp to enhance your home, India has it all. For instance, each of India’s 29 States and 7 Union Territories has its unique offering of textiles and clothing, jewellery, and handicrafts. It can be overwhelming to navigate all that India has to offer.

Shopkhoj takes the place of your local Guide to help navigate shopping in India.

Kausalya Madhavan
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