Lesser-Known Local & Tribal Rituals During Dussehra

Amid towering Ravana effigies and lively Ramlila shows, India boasts a wealth of distinct and time-honored Dussehra festivities. In secluded villages and tribal regions, the celebration thrives through age-old customs, nature veneration, and devotion to regional deities. These hidden practices reveal a fascinating window into the nation’s rich cultural mosaic.

Bastar's 75-Day Spectacle

In Chhattisgarh's tribal heartland, the 75-day Bastar Dussehra honors the local deity, Danteshwari. Unlinked to the Ramayana, it blends tribal, Hindu, and royal customs. Key rituals feature:

Pat Jatra: The ritual honoring timber for building a grand chariot.
Kachan Gadi: A young girl, said to embody the spirit of Kachan Devi, signals the start of the festivities by swinging atop a thorny bed.
Muria Durbar: A gathering of tribal leaders convening to deliberate key community concerns with officials.

Kullu's Divine Assembly

Set amidst the scenic valleys of Himachal Pradesh, Kullu Dussehra is a renowned week-long global festival. It kicks off on Vijayadashami, just as the rest of India wraps up its celebrations. The centerpiece is a grand parade featuring hundreds of local deities, borne on beautifully decorated palanquins, gathering to honor Lord Raghunath (Rama).

Rath Yatra: Devotees from across the valley pull Lord Raghunath’s sacred chariot.
Lanka Dahan: On the final day, a stack of wood and grass is ignited along the Beas riverbank, representing Lanka's fiery destruction.

Kulasekarapattinam's Trance and Fire

The coastal town of Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu comes alive during Dussehra with a fiery celebration at the Mutharamman Temple. Devotees, often in a trance, don dramatic deity costumes, especially as the fierce goddess Kali. The event features lively processions, folk tunes, and daring fire-walking, filling the air with electrifying energy.

Worship of Ravana

Breaking away from the usual Dussehra traditions, some Indian communities honor Ravana. In Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, he's admired as a wise scholar and regarded as the city's son-in-law, as Mandodari, his wife, is said to be from there. Similarly, the Gond tribe in Maharashtra venerates Ravana, viewing him as an emblem of intellect and strength.

The Significance of the Shami Tree

Across rural India, the Shami tree is deeply revered during Dussehra. Legends say the Pandavas concealed their weapons in it during exile. On Vijayadashami, people honor the tree and share its leaves, called 'sona' (gold), symbolizing luck and prosperity.

Madikeri's Grand Carnival