Happy Dussehra...

The 10 day ceremony of fast, rituals, celebrations, comes to an end today on Dussehra or Vijayadashami, which commemorates the victory of good over evil. Vijayadashami is considered to be an auspicious day for the Indian householder, on which he worships, protects and preserves 'Shakti' (power).

On this day, people of all religion, caste and creed engage themselves playing Dandiya and Garba, wherein the women wear traditional dresses such as colorful embroidered choli, ghagra and bandhani dupattas (traditional attire) dazzling with mirror work and heavy jewelery. The men wear special turbans and kedias, but this varies regionally. Garba is performed before Aarti (worshipping ritual) as devotional performances in the honor of the Goddess Durga, while Dandiya is performed after it, as a part of merriment. Men and women join in for Raas Dandiya, and also for the Garba.

As the stars of the telly town gather to celebrate Dussehra in style, here is Telly Buzz giving you an overview of what they like and their plans for the day..

Sanaya Irani:

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What is the best thing about Navaratri season?
I really do not have any idea about the Navaratri season, as I have been part of it just once or twice before. But yes, I know many people who really enjoy and wait for this season eagerly. They love to play Dandiya, they love to dress up. When in college, I had once been to a Dandiya event; I wanted to be there just for my friends and do not have a fascination to play Dandiya.

Your views about the tradition of Dandiya.
I love to watch Dandiya events. But now all has become so commercial. Earlier, the entire scenario was simple and sweet where most of the people came with only an intention to dance.

Tell us about your plans for the D-day?
I think I am shooting on the day. I remember watching the Ravan being burnt near Chowpathy few years back, and would love to be there and watch it again.

Disha Vakhani:

What is the best thing about Navaratri season?
I love Navaratri season  as we daily do Mata Ki Puja. All the nine days, we concentrate on the puja which I feel is very good.  

Your views about the tradition of Dandiya.
I love playing Dandiya. Above all, viewers simply like the way Daya in Taarak Mehta plays Garba..(smiles)

Tell us about your plans for the D-day?
The entire cast of Taarak Mehta is going to Jodhpur to celebrate the occasion at Shaileshji's house. 

Jamnadas Majethia:

What is the best thing about Navaratri season?
Youth of today love to enjoy the nine days vibrantly. They play together and enjoy the occasion colorfully. People are found dancing all thro' the nine nights, and you can also find them getting back to their normal life the next day morning. This shows the spirit in which they celebrate the festival. Nowhere in the world can we see such colorful activities for nine full days.

Your views about the tradition of Dandiya.
Its very interesting to watch the youth dance in their innovative steps and colorful attires. I love to experiment, so I too engage myself in Dandiya every year (smiles).

Tell us about your plans for the D-day?
Unfortunately, we have not made any plans for the day. But I will surely take my daughter in the evening to dance; she loves Garbha.

Rashmi Desai:

What is the best thing about Navaratri season?
I love this festival mainly for the traditional way of dressing. When in college, we used to play a different kind of Garba keeping two matkas on our heads. Those were great days (smiles).

Your views about the tradition of Dandiya.
I enjoy playing Dandiya. In the Bengali custom, we play keeping a diya in our hand, and that is real fun. I also play Dandiya for all the nine days .

Tell us about your plans for the D-day?
I guess we are shooting on the day. If not, I will definitely go and play, because I have not played Dandiya for the past few years.
 
Amit Verma:

What is the best thing about Navaratri season?
I am a firm believer of Mata, so for me the best thing is that Navaratri is celebrated to offer our prayers and respects to Mata. The very fact that after the prayers, we have a beautiful tradition of Garba and Dandiya which we enjoy, is what I like.

Your views about the tradition of Dandiya.
Tradition of Dandiya to me is really beautiful because being a Punjabi, I love to see other festivals being celebrated as I do not have much idea about it. It's so much fun to see the boys and girls dressed so traditionally in colorful costumes and dance gracefully. For me, Dandiya is a religious and visual treat.

Tell us about your plans for the D-day?
On the last day of Dandiya that is on Dussehra, I offer my prayers and get together with friends to watch the day being celebrated. I then go out for dinner with my parents and brother.

Ajay Chaudhary:

What is the best thing about Navaratri season?
I am a bakht of Vaisjno Devi Mata, so this festival gives me a different level of energy and confidence to do more in life. Almost every year, I go to Jammu for darshan of Vaishno Devi around this time. 

Your views about the tradition of Dandiya.
As you know I am not from Mumbai. In North, there is no tradition such as Dandiya, but we celebrate Navaratri. When I came down to Mumbai, I saw people playing Dandiya for the first time on TV, and I simply loved it. Irrespective of caste and creed, everyone loves to play Dandiya and that is the beauty of the custom.

Tell us about your plans for the D-day?
As usual, I am shooting on the day. But I am planning to go to one of my friend's place who has organized a big dandiya event in Goregaon at his building.

Wishing all our readers Happy Dussehra...

Reporter and Author: Ranjini Nair

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