Dussehra celebrations: A unique Dussehra celebration where wrestlers crush Ravana’s effigy by feet, because…, city’s name….
The Dussehra celebrations in Rajasthan's Kota is seen as one of the most unique celebrations of the country. Scroll down to know more.
Dussehra celebrations: You must have heard about many unique Dussehra celebrations across the country but do you know about the unique Dussehra celebrations. The Dussehra celebrations in Rajasthan’s Kota are renowned throughout the country for their unique tradition. The unique tradition of Kota, which dates back nearly 150 years, involves creating a clay effigy of Ravana in the Nanta area and burning it through wrestling, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Not only is Ravana burned, but a wrestling arena is also constructed around him. On a surprising note, the local people wrestle with Ravana, killing and crushing him on the morning of Dussehra. Here are all the details you need to know about the unique Dussehra celebration of Kota.
What’s unique in Kota’s Dussehra celebration?
The traditions of Kota’s Jethi community is very unique as this community has three major temples, one in Kishorpura and two in Nanta, as well as a large and a small arena in Nanta. On the first day of Navratri, a clay effigy of Ravana is created, and sorghum is grown on its roof, making the Dussehra celebrations more unique and special.
Read more: ‘Victory of humanity over Ravana of terror…’: President Murmu hails Op Sindoor on Dussehra
More on Kota’s Dussehra celebrations
Additionally, traditional garba and dandiya competitions are held daily at the akhara during the Navratri celebrations, where 11 hymns are sung in praise of the goddess. The Jethi community, numbering approximately 120 families and 500 members, resides in Kota. Maharaja Sir Umaid Singh settled them in Kota, and their interest in wrestling made it their primary occupation.
Jethi wrestlers of Kota’s National Dussehra
Even during the 800 year long Mughal rule, the Jethi wrestlers demonstrated their prowess. Therefore, Kota’s National Dussehra and the traditions of the Jethi community are of immense religious and cultural significance, attracting millions of devotees each year.
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