Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a festival which falls on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashvin, at the end of Navratri. The festival is celebrated across India and marks the end of Durga Puja. In some regions, Dussehra signifies Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. The festival also marks the beginning of preparation for Diwali, which comes after 20 days. In India, one can witness grand Dussehra celebrations in every locality, which typically include fireworks, burning of Ravana’s effigies, immersion of goddess Durga’s idols, etc. This is a time of peace, prosperity and good luck in life. You can organise family celebrations or a get-together at home. Here are some fun ways to celebrate Dussehra at home with kids.
Design a colourful rangoli
Clean the entire house to invite positive energies. Avoid shoes inside your house during Dussehra. Decorate the floor with attractive rangoli designs. You can come up with creative rangolis based on the Dussehra theme. Use traditional, auspicious colours such as red, orange and yellow.
Source: Instagram (sukhadrangoli)
Decorate the wall
Transform the blank walls of the house into an interesting space. You can hang pictures of deities such as Lord Rama or Goddess Durga. Opt for traditional crafts based on the Dussehra theme, or you can hang Mandana paintings or traditional wall hangings.
Source: Pinterest
Make a DIY Ravana effigy
Create a miniature Ravana based on easily available materials such as newspaper and organic paint. You can also consider buying effigy of Ravana online. Design effigy of Ravana’s brother Kumbhkaran and son Meghnath. The festival is celebrated by burning the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath, which marks the victory of good over evil. If it is not possible to burn the effigies, choose toy bow and arrow to shoot the effigies. Involve the participation of children at home to make this an interesting activity.
Source: Pinterest
Organise a story-telling session
Invite your friends and family members to gather for a story-telling session. You can also plan a small skit on Ramayana on the occasion of Dussehra with children. Narrate the story behind Dussehra or read the Ramayan. You can make use of technology to bring some sound effects.
Source: Pinterest
Create a backdrop
Decorate the living room by creating a perfect backdrop for the occasion. Choose to cover the wall with colourful fabric and flower garlands. Light up the house with diyas, lamps or string lights. The oil in the Diya symbolises the sins of human and lighting the diya denotes burning off the negativities.
Source: Pinterest
Host a Dandiya party
In India, Navratri and Dussehra celebrations are associated with music and dance and Dandiya, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra. You can also organise a mini dandiya party at your home by inviting neighbours, friends and family. Plan a dress code for the occasion, such as Chaniya-Choli for women and Kurta-Dhoti/Pyjama for men. Bamboo sticks for Dandiya are easily available online.
Source: Pinterest
Organise a puja on Dussehra
In many Indian households, people worship tools, weapons or any object that is used to bring wealth. Some of the items that can be worshipped on this day are farmer’s shovel, car, instruments, books, pens or pencils, etc. On this day, people perform the Shami tree Puja (or Banni Puja) and Goddess Aparajita Puja. People also worship the goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and learning.
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FAQs
What is the best way to celebrate Dussehra?
Dussehra is celebrated by burning effigies of Ravana, immersion of idols of goddess Durga, and worshipping weapons, tools or instruments.
How to celebrate Dussehra at home with kids?
You can organise a Dandiya party at home or plan a small skit based on Ramayana involving children’s participation.
How did you celebrate Dussehra with your family?
Plan a get-together with friends and family and organise a puja. Clean and decorate the house with flowers, rangolis and diyas.
What should we not do on Dussehra?
According to Vastu, one should refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food. Avoid cutting trees.
What is the Colour of Dussehra Day 9?
The ninth day of Navratri is associated with the colour peacock green. The colour signifies harmony and affection.
Which colour clothes are worn on Dussehra?
You can choose to wear clothes of yellow or green colour.
How to decorate for Dussehra?
Design rangolis based on the Dussehra. Adorn the wall with paintings of Lord Rama or goddess Durga. Decorate the house by placing diyas or string lights.
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