While festivals like Dussehra would be full of celebrations during childhood, today, it has become a mere holiday for most of us. Celebrities give their take on this.
Monika Bhadoriya
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In today’s fast-paced world, Dussehra can sometimes be seen merely as another day off because our busy lives can lead to a disconnection from the traditional and cultural values it represents. For some, it may be more about taking a break from work or their daily routine rather than truly understanding and appreciating the festival’s historical and moral significance. During my childhood, the sight of the colossal effigy of Ravana and the thunderous crackle of fireworks used to fill me with excitement. My parents would generously buy me new clothes, and we would venture out to witness the grand spectacle of Ravana Dahan at the Ramlila grounds. In our own neighbourhood, we also had a local Ravana Dahan event that brought the community together.
The significance of Dussehra, the day symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, is a reminder of the timeless tale of Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana. It’s a celebration that embodies the virtues of righteousness and the vanquishing of malevolence.
Rinku Ghosh
As a Bengali, Durga Puja has always held a special place in my heart. I have wonderful memories of my mother and aunts wearing traditional white sarees with red borders and performing rituals in front of the idol of Goddess Durga. These rituals include offering paan (betel leaves) and sindoor (vermilion), which we call ‘Sidhoor utsav.’ In the evening, we visit relatives to seek their blessings, followed by a family dinner at my maternal grandmother’s house, my Nani.
I’ve always been captivated by these traditions, and I still follow them today. Durga Puja is more than just a festival to me; it’s an emotional connection, a set of cherished customs, and a belief in Goddess Durga’s blessings and strength to help us overcome our inner challenges and life’s obstacles.
Raghav Thakur
Dussehra, however, has evolved in some ways to be seen by many as just another holiday. In our fast-paced contemporary lifestyles, the deeper significance of this day. As a child, I fondly recall our group visits to Ramlila Maidan, where the captivating tales of Ramayana fuelled my curiosity about the characters of Ram and Ravana. Dussehra holidays were a source of immense joy, filled with the delights of homemade meals and playful activities. Even today, when I witness the Ramlila celebrations in Mumbai, I can’t help but feel a childlike excitement. Our cultural heritage is indeed abundant with fascinating stories and traditions. Dussehra is a day that reminds us of the triumph of good over evil. It’s a time when we celebrate the story of Lord Ram defeating the demon king Ravana, which represents the victory of goodness over evil.