KOTA DUSSEHRA MELA – kotahike.com

Kota city situated on the banks of Chambal river has a different attraction of Dussehra. This festival is celebrated all over the country but Kota Dussehra is quite unique. The most important event in the city’s cultural calendar. The history of this Dussehra fair starts from 1723 AD. It started during the reign of Maharaj Durjan Singh Hada. He started the tradition of celebrating Dussehra with great pomp, which has continued for centuries. The festival has since become synonymous with the cultural identity of the city, attracting tourists and devotees alike. During the royal times, the duration of Dussehra festival was for 3 days and the height of the effigies of Ravana and his family was between 20 to 25 feet. The tradition of taking out royal processions with pomp and splendor and the royal meeting of various estate holders in the palace called ‘Darikhana’ also started in that period.

Duration and Grandeur

Maharao Umed Singh II (1889-1940 AD) is credited with making this religious event more attractive and colorful. Now Dussehra fair is celebrated for 25 days. The height of the effigies of Ravana and his family has been increased to 75-80 feet. The Kota Dussehra fair lasts for 25 days, making it one of the longest running Dussehra celebrations in India.

One of the most prominent features of the Kota Dussehra fair is the grand procession on Dussehra day, also known as Vijayadashmi. This procession is a spectacular display of the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. The main attraction is the parade of colourfully decorated elephants, followed by a procession of idols, chariots, folk artists and musicians. The grandeur and splendour of this procession is truly awe-inspiring.

Cultural festivals

Ramleela starts from the day of inauguration, in which Ram Barat is the main attractionIt is also a cultural festival. A wide range of traditional Rajasthani art, crafts and cuisine are showcased in this fair. The city becomes a hub for artisans from all over the state, who showcase and sell their handmade items such as textiles, jewellery, pottery and paintings. Where folk artists and musicians enthrall the audience with their mesmerizing performances. Traditional Rajasthani dance forms like Kalbelia, Ghoomar and Bhavai are performed with grace and finesse. No one can visit the fair without tasting delicious Rajasthani cuisine.

Handicraft Bazaar

One of the main attractions of the Kota Dussehra Fair is the Handicraft Bazaar. This bazaar is a treasure trove of traditional Rajasthani handicrafts and artwork, with something for every taste and budget. From the finest hand-embroidered clothing to intricately carved wooden artifacts, the Handicraft Bazaar is a reflection of the artistic richness of Rajasthan. Tourists can buy souvenirs such as colourful turbans, puppets, traditional jewellery and pottery, each of which reflects the vibrant cultural fabric of the region.

Grand Dussehra Procession

The procession starts from the major temples of the city and culminates at the Dussehra grounds, where thousands of people gather to witness this grand spectacle. The idols of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita are placed in beautifully decorated chariots and are accompanied by a retinue of elephants, camels and horses. The procession also features folk dancers, musicians and artists performing traditional Rajasthani dances. The entire city comes out in force to celebrate.

Ravan Dahan

On the day of Vijayadashami, someone from the then royal family shoots an arrow at the effigy of Ravana, depicting his killing at the hands of Rama. which tells the message of good over evil. The crowd eagerly awaits the symbolic climax of the event, where effigies of the demon king Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghnad are set on fire. This act symbolises the victory of good over evil and is greeted with thunderous applause and cheers from the audience.