The festival of Dasara (also known as Dussehra or Vijayadashami) is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, symbolizing the eternal victory of good over evil. The celebrations are spread over ten days, culminating on the tenth day (Vijayadashami), which follows the nine nights of Navratri.
Here are the complete details about the festival and a prompt for a cinematic poster.
Complete Details about the Dasara Festival
1. Names and Core Significance
| Name | Region/Origin | Significance |
| Dussehra / Vijayadashami | All of India | Marks the final victory (Vijaya) on the Tenth Day (Dashami). |
| Dussehra (North/Central India) | North & Central India | Commemorates Lord Rama's triumphant slaying of the ten-headed demon king, Ravana, after the epic battle recounted in the Ramayana. |
| Durga Puja / Vijayadashami (East India) | West Bengal, Odisha, Assam | Marks the day Goddess Durga vanquished the buffalo demon Mahishasura, concluding a fierce nine-day battle. |
| Dasara (South India) | Karnataka, Tamil Nadu | Celebrates the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari (an avatar of Durga) over the demon Mahishasura (especially in Mysuru). |
2. Celebrations Across India
The festival is celebrated with distinct traditions across the country:
A. North and Central India (Ramlila and Effigy Burning)
Ramlila Performances: The epic of the Ramayana is dramatically enacted in local theaters over nine or ten nights. This culminates in the final battle and Lord Rama's victory.
Ravan Dahan: On the evening of Vijayadashami, giant effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnad are filled with firecrackers and set ablaze in large public grounds. This act symbolically represents the destruction of evil qualities within oneself and in society.
B. East India (Durga Puja and Immersion)
Durga Visarjan: The nine-day Durga Puja concludes with Vijayadashami. On this day, the beautifully crafted clay idols of Goddess Durga and her children are carried in grand processions and immersed in rivers or other water bodies, symbolizing her return to her celestial home.
Shubho Bijoya: People greet each other with "Shubho Bijoya" (Happy Victory Day) and exchange sweets.
C. Karnataka (Mysore Dasara – The Royal Festival)
The Mysore Dasara, or Nada Habba (State Festival), is celebrated with unmatched royal splendor since 1610 AD.
Illuminated Palace: The centerpiece is the magnificent Mysore Palace, which is illuminated every evening with nearly 100,000 light bulbs.
Ayudha Puja (9th Day): Weapons, tools, vehicles, and instruments are worshipped, signifying the importance of their role in sustaining life and achieving victory.
Jamboo Savari (10th Day - Vijayadashami): This is the main event—a spectacular procession from the Mysore Palace to Bannimantap. The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed in a magnificent Golden Howdah (a seat of about 750 kg of gold) atop a decorated elephant. The procession is accompanied by decorated elephants, horses, cultural dance troupes, and musical bands.
Torchlight Parade (Panjina Kavayitha): The celebrations conclude with a grand torchlight parade in the evening at the Bannimantap ground.
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