Dussehra, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, marks the victory of good over evil. The word Dussehra stands for the Sanskrit words “Dasha” (ten) and “Hara” (defeat), marking the tenth day of Navaratri. The festival represents Lord Ram’s triumph over the demon king Ravan, as narrated in the epic Ramayan.
Celebrated with colourful parades, dance performances, plays and acts, and the ultimate event of the night – a symbolic burning of Ravan’s effigies make up the celebrations. Dussehra portrays not just the triumph of righteousness, unity, and joy, but also brings families and communities together in the classic Indian spirit of festivity. This article covers how to do Dussehra puja at home, Dussehra decoration ideas for office and Dussehra decoration ideas for home!
History Of Dussehra
Also known as Vijayadashami, this rich festival has quite an important historical significance in our Hindu mythology. It honours the victory of Lord Ram over the demon king Ravan, a story narrated in the famous epic Ramayan. According to the legend, Ram ji, with the blessings of Durga Maa, defeated Ravan and rescued his wife Sita from his captivity. This iconic triumph of good over evil is the base essence of the festival of Dussehra, and thus it is celebrated with fitting fervour and devotion.
Significance Of Dussehra
The occasion of Dussehra signifies not just a victory of righteousness, but also the truth, over any and all falsehood and injustices. It serves as a constant reminder of the importance of virtue and moral values in our lives. This iconic festival also marks the end of Navaratri, a nine-night delightful festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. On this wonderful day, people take part in processions and parades, engage in cultural events like dancing and singing bhajans, and burn effigies of Ravan to symbolise the triumph of our good forces over the horrible forces of evil.
Read: 10 Facts About Dussehra
5 Dussehra Decoration Ideas For Home To Bring In The Festive Vibe
1. Floral Rangoli:
Create a vibrant and colourful rangoli using flower petals instead of the classic powders this year. Choose marigolds, roses, and other bright flowers to design intricate patterns at your doorstep, because a floral rangoli not only looks beautiful but also spreads a pleasant fragrance.
2. Traditional Torans:
Beautify your entrance with the traditional torans of our culture made with mango leaves, marigold flowers, and beads. These decorative hangings symbolise prosperity and, as we know, are considered auspicious during festivals.
3. Diyas And Candles:
Brighten your home with a beautiful display of diyas and other decorative candles. Place them near window sills, on staircases, and around the puja area. You can even try out scented candles to add in an extra soothing ambience.
4. Drapes and Fabric Backdrops:
Enhance the festive atmosphere of your home by using desi fabrics like silk and brocade to decorate curtains, tablecloths, and cushion covers with traditional Indian designs. Go for vibrant colours like red, gold, and orange to display the essence of Dussehra.
5. Flowers And Lights:
In addition to the warm lights of the diyas and candles, light up oft-ignored spaces in your household like the balcony and the space behind your TV and your bed with colourful fairy lights! Use flowers not just for your rangoli but also all around the house. Float some fresh flowers and tealights in a bowl of water as a centrepiece on the coffee table for a stunning Dussehra flower decoration.
5 Creative Dussehra Decoration Ideas For Office
1. Desk Decor/Mini Mandir:
Decorate your office desk with small idols of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman ji. Place these idols on an attractive platform, and add fresh flowers and small diyas around the idols – battery-operated would be preferred to avoid a fire hazard in the workplace.
2. Paper Lanterns:
DIY paper lanterns and hang them up in the office space to create a festive ambience at work. Choose readymade lanterns that are in bright colours, or make some using papers with traditional designs on them. Hang the lanterns from the ceiling, or place them on office desks.
3. Potluck Lunch:
Everybody loves a potluck, so organise a lunch with all your colleagues, with everyone bringing in their favourite festive and homemade traditional dishes. Set up a designated buffet area with colourful tablecloths and serving utensils, and try the myriad range of Indian cuisine.
4. Potpourri And Aromas:
You can even place bowls of fragrant potpourri or dried flowers that are infused with essential oils in different rooms. Additionally, you can even use aromatic candles and agarbattis (incense sticks) with soothing scents like sandalwood or jasmine to create a pleasant aroma throughout your workspace.
5. Creative Cubicle Decor:
Encourage all the employees to decorate their own cubicles in the theme of Dussehra, while providing them with basic materials like streamers, fairy lights, and diyas. This not only adds a festive touch but also promotes a sense of team spirit. You can even make it into a competition, with the winner getting a small gift.
Dussehra Pooja Vidhi & Requirements
1. An Idol or Picture of Goddess Durga:
You can have an idol or a picture of Goddess Durga as the main deity for the puja.
2. Puja Ki Thali:
A thali containing essentials like a diya, agarbatti (incense sticks), roli (vermilion), chawal (rice grains), flowers, and sweets.
3. Fruits and Sweets:
Offer fresh fruits and sweets to the goddess.
4. Coconut:
A whole coconut wrapped in red cloth.
5. Holy Water:
Gangajal or plain water for sprinkling.
6. Betel Leaves and Nuts:
Paan leaves and supari (betel nuts) for the offering.
7. Prasad:
Prepare a special prasad like halwa or kheer.
8. Navgraha Items:
Items representing the nine planets for their blessings.
9. Red Cloth:
A piece of red cloth covering the coconut.
10. Bells and Conch Shell:
For aarti and invoking positive energies.
How To Do Dussehra Puja At Home?
Here is how to do Dussehra puja at home:
1. Cleanse:
Cleanse the puja area and yourself before starting the ritual.
2. Set-Up:
Place the idol or picture of Goddess Durga on a raised platform or a clean cloth.
3. Offerings:
Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and light the diya and incense sticks.
4. Mantras:
Recite Durga Chalisa, Durga Aarti, or any other Durga mantras you are familiar with.
5. Abhishek:
Sprinkle holy water and offer roli, chawal, coconut, betel leaves, and nuts to the goddess while chanting the mantras.
6. Aarti:
Perform aarti with the conch shell and bells, accompanied by devotional songs.
7. Prasad:
Offer the prepared prasad to the goddess and distribute it among the family members as a divine blessing.
8. Navgraha Puja:
Place the Navgraha items and offer prayers to seek the blessings of the celestial bodies.
9. Purnahuti:
Conclude the puja by expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness, and asking for blessings for your family and loved ones.
How To Do Dussehra Puja At Office?
1. Cleanse:
Cleanse the puja area and yourself before starting the ritual.
2. Set-Up:
Place the idol or picture of Goddess Durga on a clean and elevated surface.
3. Offerings:
Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and light the diya and incense sticks.
4. Mantras:
Recite Durga Chalisa, Durga Aarti, or any other Durga mantras you are familiar with.
5. Abhishek:
Sprinkle holy water and offer roli, chawal, coconut, betel leaves, and nuts to the goddess while chanting the mantras.
6. Aarti:
Perform aarti with the conch shell and bells, accompanied by devotional songs.
7. Prasad:
Offer the prepared prasad to the goddess and distribute it among the colleagues as a divine blessing.
8. Purnahuti:
Conclude the puja by expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness, and asking for blessings for the office and its members.
6 Dussehra Celebration Activities That Are Fun & Entertaining
1. Ramleela:
Embrace your rich cultural heritage by organising a vibrant Ramleela where you reenact the legendary battle of Ramji against the demon king Ravan. You can engage all the talented actors and create a visually captivating performance as you immerse the audience in a divine tale of good over evil.
2. Dance:
Infuse energy and joy into your celebrations with a lively Garba or Dandiya night. Encourage all the attendees to show up in proper traditional attire, and groove to the rhythmic beats, with spirited movements and colourful expressions.
3. Performances/Kirtan:
Showcase the cultural diversity of India by arranging various performances, including classical dances and soul-stirring kirtans accompanied by sing-along bhajans, and skits on stories of Durga Puja. These events will not only entertain but also teach the younger generations about Hindu culture.
4. Food Festival:
Everybody loves eating, so host an extravaganza featuring diverse foods from all cultures. Invite all the participants to prepare and share their traditional delicacies from all the different regions of the country, allowing everyone to indulge in the rich flavours of Indian cuisine. A large-scale potluck adds the perfect communal touch.
5. Decorative Rangoli:
Foster creativity and healthy competition by organising a classic and iconic rangoli competition, where you would provide participants with vibrant coloured powders, flower petals, and any other creative materials you can think of. Encourage intricate designs and themes related to Dussehra to celebrate the festive spirit.
6. Craft Workshops:
Engage people of all ages in hands-on activities by organising craft workshops. Provide them with materials and guidance to make the idols, masks, or any other traditional Dussehra crafts. These workshops will not only enhance creativity but also educate participants about the cultural significance of various art forms.
As we’ve learnt, the important festival of Dussehra symbolises the victory of good over evil, and righteousness over injustice. Commemorating Ramji’s conquest of the demon Ravan, the festival brings people together with joy and unity in truth. With vibrant decorations, prayer rituals, and various cultural activities that create an atmosphere of festivity, Dussehra is truly a joyous occasion.
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