Dussehra is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil by burning effigies of Ravana, the demon king from the epic Ramayana. But did you know that Almora in Uttarakhand uniquely celebrates this festival? Here, people not only burn the effigy of Ravana but also his entire family.
Unique Dussehra Celebration In Almora
Dussehra is finally here, and many streets in the country are now lined with Ravana’s effigies before the grand ‘Ravana Dahan’. The festival marks the day Lord Rama defeated and killed the demon king Ravana. It holds a very important place in Indian culture. The defeat of Ravana not only signifies the triumph over the 10-headed demon king but also the defeat of negativity in our lives.
While most parts of India celebrate Dussehra by burning only Ravana’s effigy, Almora in Uttarakhand is known for its unique take on the festival. Along with Ravana, locals burn effigies of his entire family. As per a report by The Tribune, before 1975, only the effigy of Ravana used to be burnt on Dussehra.
However, in 1975, residents of Murli Manohar Mohalla took the initiative to make an effigy of Meghnath for the first time. Following their lead, people from Juhari Mohalla and Laxmi Bhandar Mohalla began making the effigies of Kumbhkarana and Tarka.
Since then, the tradition has grown larger in Almora. Today, the town prepares effigies of 26 members of Ravana’s family.
These include: Ravana, Tadika, Mariach, Subahu, Khardushan, Makraks, Narantak, Devantak, Atikaya, Kumbh Trisara, Akshaya Kumar, Kamal Kumar and Kamalkund. Apart from these, effigies of Lavanasur, Kalnami, Kalketu, Kalketu Ahiravan, Kumbhkarana, Meghnath, Shumbh, Shukh Prahasta, Bhamasur, Kakasur, Vakrasur and Virath are also burnt during the Dussehra celebrations. An effigy representing both Kakasur and Vakrasur is also burnt.
A Grand Procession Before Burning The Effigies
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the effigies are handcrafted in an artistic manner in almost all the ‘mohallas’ of the town. But that’s not the only thing that makes this celebration special. Before burning the effigies, the people of Almora hold a grand procession in the town with music and a band. The celebration is so famous that tourists from other parts of India and even abroad visit Almora to witness this moment.
The artisans pay special attention to every detail, including the outfits of the effigies. This festival not only showcases Indian heritage but also highlights local skills and community celebration.
Almora parades and burns all the family members of Ravana together during Dussehra, making it the only place in India to do so; isn’t this fascinating to know?
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This is a unique Dussehra celebration. Did you know about this tradition in Almora? Let us know!
Cover Image Courtesy: Ministry of Tourism/ Website