Introduction of Kota Dussehra Mela
Kota Dussehra Mela is a fair held during Navratri and Dussehra festivals in Kota city of Rajasthan, India which lasts for about 20 days. Which is world famous. Not only from India but people from all over the world come here to enjoy this fair. This fair is held in the Dussehra ground of Kota which is almost present on the banks of the Chambal river. The major Dussehra fair of Kota is the third major fair in India and the first Dussehra mela in Rajasthan. Fairs here start in October or November
This fair celebrates the victory of good over evil. Lord Rama achieved victory by killing King Ravana.
Kota Dussehra fair is celebrated on the tenth day of Vijayadashami by burning the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad. Effigies about 75 feet high are made and when they are set on fire, a wonderful scene is created.
Apart from burning effigies, several other events also take place at the Kota Dussehra Mela, which includes
- Cultural performances like dance, music comedy drama
- Shopping stalls selling Rajasthani handicrafts and Rajasthani dresses
- You will get to see Rajasthan’s lentil dishes like dal-baati, and Panna Lal Pakori shop which are sold in fairs.
- Toy shop for children along with lots of swings for fun
- Every year some celebrity is invited to this fair.
Kota Dussehra Fair has always been a popular tourist attraction and is a great opportunity to experience the culture of Rajasthan and the heritage of Kota.
When and Where is it Held?
Kota Dussehra Fair is held in Kota city of Rajasthan, India. Which is organized in Dussehra ground. Navratri festival starts on the first day of the Hindu month Ashwin, this fair starts with fireworks. Every year more than one lakh people can see it on the first day. On the first day of the Dussehra fair, effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are burnt.
Kota Dussehra Mela Date 2023
In 2023, the Kota Dussehra Mela will be organized from 24 October to 10 November.
What is its Significance?
The Kota Dussehra Mela is important for many reasons.
- It celebrates the victory of good over evil, as it depicts the victory of Lord Rama over King Ravana. He is compatible with people of all religions and cultures.
- Kota Dussehra Fair is a showcase of the rich culture and heritage of Rajasthan. The fair includes a variety of famous Rajasthani performances, handicrafts, and cuisines.
- There are tourist attractions towards this fair, it is a major source for Kota city. This fair attracts people from all over India and helps in boosting the economy of Kota city.
- Kota Dussehra Fair is a cultural event that brings together people from all regions of Rajasthan in one place. It is a time to enjoy the company of friends and family.
Apart from these general reasons, the Kota Dussehra Mela is also important for its unique traditions and customs. Because on this day Lord Shri Ram had killed Ravana and in his happiness freed Mother Sita. Every year this fair is celebrated with joy and happiness on the day of Vijayadashami. Its objective is the victory of good over evil. The orchestra is also called in this fair every year, which fills the spectators coming to the fair with joy.
What is the history of Kota Dussehra Mela?
It is said that the Kota Dussehra Mela was started in 1723 AD by the then-ruler of Kota, Maharao Durjanshal Singh Hada. He was a devout Hindu He believed in Lord Ram very much, and this fair is an example of the victory of good over evil, hence he started the Kota Dussehra fair.
With time, the number of tourists here increased and this fair became famous in Rajasthan and India.
It is now a popular tourist attraction that brings together people from all walks of life.
But today the credit for making this fair more attractive and colorful goes to Maharath Umed Singh II (1889-1940 AD), Umed Singh started this fair with his entire family.
How has it evolved over time?
The Kota Dussehra Mela has evolved over time in a number of ways.
- The size of the Kota Dussehra fair kept on evolving with time and its popularity kept increasing and now it has become one of the biggest fairs of Rajasthan.
- earlier it was held for 20 days but now it is held for 25 days
- Attractions:- It has been expanded to attract more. Now various cultural performances, religious ceremonies, shopping stalls, and food stalls are also included.
- Technology has also played a role in the development of the Kota Dussehra mela. For example, the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad are now more detailed and attractive than before.
Here are some specific examples of how the Kota Dussehra Mela has evolved over time:
- The effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad are made from wood, cardboard, and aluminum material keeping in mind the naturalness.
- Burning the effigy was a common incident. Today it is a spectacular event with special effects of fireworks.
- It was a Hindu religious event. Today, it is a secular event that includes cultural activities.
- Today Kota Dussehra Fair is a popular tourist attraction and people from all over the world come to see it.
It has evolved in view of the changing needs of people with increasing time.
Events and Attractions
Burning of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad
- It is celebrated here in many parts of India. Burning the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad is a sign of victory of good over evil.
- Burning of all three effigies reminds us that good always triumphs over evil. and a new beginning begins
Cultural performances
- Music: Kota Dussehra mela also includes various types of Rajasthani music, like Rajasthani folk songs and Rajasthani classical music, Rajasthani Ghoomar, etc.
- Drama: The Kota Dussehra fair also features a variety of traditional Rajasthani plays, which often tell stories from Hindu mythology and folklore.
- Other performances: Apart from these traditional Rajasthani performances, Bollywood signings and comedy shows
Shopping stalls
The Kota Dussehra Mela features a variety of shopping stalls selling a wide range of goods, including:
- Rajasthani Handicrafts: A great place to buy Rajasthani handicrafts, pottery, and jewelry in Rajasthan.
- Food: You will also get to see Rajasthani food and international cuisine stalls at the Kota Dussehra fair.
- Clothes: The Kota Dussehra fair includes stalls of Rajasthani clothes as well as winter clothes.
- Other Items: The Kota Dussehra Fair includes a wide range of toys and household items for children.
Food stalls
- Street Food: You will also find stalls of chaat, pani puri, and kachori in the Dussehra fair.
- Sweets: Stalls of Softy Kulfi and Hathijam Gulab Jamun will also be found at the Kota Dussehra fair.
- Traditional Rajasthani food: Rajasthani thali, ghevar, dal baati. , Bhujiya,Churma, etc.
How To Reach Kota Dussehra Mela
By Road: Kota is well connected by road to all the cities of India. You will get an overnight bus to Kota
By Train: Kota is a major railway junction on the Delhi-Mumbai rail route. Regular trains run to Kota.
By Air: The nearest airport to Kota is Sanganer Airport, Jaipur, which is 245 km from Kota. Then you can take a train or bus from Jaipur.
Best Time Visit Kota Dussehra Mela
You will see a huge crowd at the Kota Dussehra Mela on Sunday, so try not to go on Sunday, you can go anytime between Monday to Friday.
Kota Dussehra Mela: Tips for Visitors
- Stay away from the effigy during Ravana Dahan
- take care of your children as children often get lost in the fair
- Beware of pickpockets at the fair
- Bargain with sellers so you can get a good deal on goods,
- Go to the fair wearing light clothes because you will have to move around a lot.
FAQ
The Dussehra mela in Kota is organized at the Dussehra grounds situated on the banks of the Chambal River. All the big events held in Kota are organized here.