Lesser-Known Local & Tribal Rituals During Dussehra

Amidst the towering effigies of Ravana and the lively Ramlila plays, India cherishes a diverse array of Dussehra traditions steeped in history. In far-flung villages and tribal regions, the festival comes alive with sacred rituals, nature veneration, and homage to regional deities. These hidden customs reveal a fascinating window into the country's rich cultural heritage.

Bastar's 75-Day Spectacle

In Chhattisgarh's tribal heartland, Bastar Dussehra spans an epic 75 days, honoring the local deity, Danteshwari. Unlinked to the Ramayana, it blends tribal, Hindu, and royal customs. Key rituals feature:

Pat Jatra: The ritual honoring of timber for building a grand chariot.
Kachan Gadi: A young girl, said to channel the spirit of Kachan Devi, initiates the celebrations by gliding on a cradle of thorns.
Muria Durbar: A gathering of tribal leaders who deliberate key community issues with the authorities.

Kullu's Divine Assembly

Set amidst the scenic valleys of Himachal Pradesh, Kullu Dussehra is a week-long global festival. It starts on Vijayadashami, when the rest of India wraps up its celebrations. The centerpiece is a majestic procession of numerous regional deities, borne on decorative palanquins, to honor Lord Raghunath (Rama).

Rath Yatra: Lord Raghunath's chariot is drawn by devotees from across the valley.
Lanka Dahan: On the final day, a stack of wood and grass is ignited along the Beas riverbank, representing the burning of Lanka.

Kulasekarapattinam's Trance and Fire

The coastal town of Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu hosts a vibrant and intense Dussehra celebration at the Mutharamman Temple. Devotees, often in a trance, transform into deities, with many embodying the fearsome goddess Kali. The event features colorful processions, traditional music, and daring fire-walking rituals, filling the air with energy and devotion.

Worship of Ravana

Breaking from the mainstream narrative, some Indian communities honor Ravana during Dussehra. In Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, he is celebrated as a great scholar and the city’s son-in-law, as Mandodari, his wife, is believed to be from there. Similarly, the Gond tribe in Maharashtra venerates Ravana, viewing him as a figure of wisdom and strength.

The Significance of the Shami Tree

Across rural India, the Shami tree is deeply revered during Dussehra. Legend says the Pandavas concealed their divine weapons within it during exile. On Vijayadashami, the tree is honored, and its leaves, called 'sona' (gold), are exchanged as tokens of luck and prosperity.

Madikeri's Grand Carnival