Dussehra, also known as Vijaya Dashami, Dashain and Dasara in different parts of India, is a festival that highlights the victory of good over evil. Given the fact that we, as a society, are also battling evils like patriarchy and climate change, the festival of Dussehra is also tailored to focus on this fight. In 2022, as the nation comes together to celebrate Dussehra after a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus, themes like inclusivity, women entrepreneurship and sustainability have once again dominated creative minds. Here are a few stories from around the country that you should celebrate this Dussehra.
Patna’s Famous Dussehra Fair Highlights Products By Local Women Artisans
The five-day annual Dussehra fair held in Patna’s Gyan Bhawan is hosting women artisans from the Mahila Vikas Manch by setting up over 200 stalls for micro, small and medium entrepreneurs. Women artisans who are making and selling handmade Bhagalpuri silk sarees, Madhubani paintings, traditional puppets, and other handcrafted products are pulling in large crowds at the event.
Handmade Gombe Dolls Find A Place In Karnataka’s Dasara Celebrations
Gombe Habba or doll arranging is a festive ritual that women in Karnataka participate in during Navratri and Dasara. While traditionally, the themes for the dolls revolve around stories of Mahabharata, Ramayana and Dasavathara, this year, doll makers and sellers are introducing themes that promote women empowerment. One unique doll variety that has hit the markets of Bengaluru and Mysuru this year are those of breastfeeding women.
Light & Sound To Replace Firecrackers At Ravana Effigy Burning In Delhi
The burning of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad is an essential part of Dussehra celebrations across North India. However, with a ban in place on the use of firecrackers in the National Capital Region to reduce air pollution levels, Ramlila organisers from Delhi’s Red Fort area have come up with a more eco-friendly alternative. Instead of bursting firecrackers, the organisers are relying on light and sound effects to achieve a similar feel, while ensuring that carbon emissions are at a low.
Transgender Artists Perform At Mangalore’s Dasara Event
Three transgender artists—Priya Shyam, Sandhya and Rekha—performed at a cultural programme held at Halekote Shri Mariyamma temple in Bolar, Mangalore. The three artists danced to the devotional song, Deva Shree Ganesha. The trio has been learning dance from Susan Misquith, and revealed to TOI that this was the first time they performed on a stage like this. “This was an unexpected opportunity,” Rekha said. “Till now, we have been dancing only for our community. We hope to get more opportunities to perform.”