TV actors’ vibrant Dussehra celebrations in their hometowns!

 TV actors’ vibrant Dussehra celebrations in their hometowns!

Dussehra, celebrated as Durga Puja and Vijayadashami, holds significance across all Indian states, symbolising the victory of good over evil. &TV actors talking about the importance of the festival also share the vibrant celebrations that take place in their hometowns. These include Aasif Shiekh (Vibhuti), Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi), Saanand Verma (Anokhe Lal Saxena) from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, Yogesh Tripathi (Daroga Happu Singh), Aaryan Prajapati (Hritik), Charrul Malik (Rusa) from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan and Neha Joshi (Yashoda), RJ Mohit (Manoj) from Doosri Maa. Speaking about "Dilli Ka Dussehra," Aasif Sheikh, known for his role as Vibhuti Narayan Mishra in &TV's Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, says, "The highlight of Dussehra in Delhi is undoubtedly witnessing the renowned Ramlila performance at Luv Kush Ramlila, held at Lal Quila. I had the pleasure of visiting the city for this celebration a few years back with my co-star Rohitashv Gour (Manmohan Tiwari) and last year with my onscreen wife Anita, essayed by Vidisha Srivastava. Watching the festivities and celebrations live is a very different experience, and I am glad to visit it again this year. The cheering, the vibrancy of festivities and the crowd gathering makes it a memorable and incredible experience. And I never get enough of it, so I keep coming back here for more, year on year. If you have not witnessed the grand celebrations of Ramlila at the Red Fort till now, then you are missing something spectacular and try to attend it, if possible, with your friends and family. I can guarantee it will be the experience of a lifetime! Here’s wishing everyone a very Happy Vijayadashami!" Talking about Dussehra’s festive fervour in Uttar Pradesh, Yogesh Tripathi, as Daroga Happu Singh in &TV's Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, says, “In Uttar Pradesh, Ravan Dahan holds a significant role in the Dussehra festivities. The effigy of Ravana is set ablaze by Lord Rama at various locations in the state, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Grand Ram Leela performances are also staged at prominent venues in the city. Actors portraying Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Hanuman employ audio-visual technology to bring the epic saga to life, and the audience erupts in cheers as they symbolically vanquish the idols of Ravana, Kumbhakaran, and Meghnath.” Regarding celebrations in Maharashtra, Neha Joshi, as Yashoda in &TV's Doosri Maa says, “In Maharashtra, our Dussehra celebrations commence with seeking blessings from our elders and sharing Apta leaves. Apta leaves symbolise gold and are customarily gifted to friends, family, and neighbours to convey good wishes for joyous occasions. As we welcome guests into our homes, my mother always adorns the entryway with marigold 'toran' (garlands made of marigold flowers). Festive delicacies like Puran Poli, Shrikhand puri, and Puri bhaji are special in our family's Dussehra festivities. I extend my warm wishes to everyone for a joyful Dussehra celebration.” About celebrations in Bihar, Saanand Verma, as Anokhe Lal Saxena in &TV’s Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, says, “Dussehra in Bihar is a blend of religious fervour, cultural expression, and a strong sense of community. The unique traditions and customs that have evolved over the years make it a remarkable and culturally rich festival in the state. In Bihar, Dussehra festivities often extend over a month, with preparations beginning well in advance. The entire month has various events, rituals, and cultural programs. The Ramlila performances in Bihar are known for their distinctive style. The dialogues are often delivered in the local Bhojpuri dialect, making the portrayal of the epic even more relatable to the local audience. These Ramlilas, with grand sets and costumes, can be highly elaborate and detailed.”

About Madhya Pradesh’s Dussera celebrations, Shubhangi Atre, as Angoori Bhabi in &TV's Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, says, I hail from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and Dussehra has forever held a significant place in my heart. The city adorns itself like a bride on this auspicious day, marking the ‘Ravan Moksha Diwas’ celebration. When I was a kid, my cousins and I would venture to various fairs where theatrical performances narrated the tale of Lord Rama's triumph over Ravana. No Indian festival is complete without a feast, and Madhya Pradesh certainly knows how to elevate it! Poha-Jalebi, Khasta kachori, Ghevar, and Besan Ladoo graced nearly every household's table on that special day.” About grand celebrations in Gujarat, Aaryan Prajapati, as Hritik in &TV's Happu Ki Ultan Paltan says, “In Gujarat, Dussehra is celebrated as Navratra. The day commences with savouring delectables like jalebi fafda, but the highlight here is the enchanting Garba folk dance. The festival's core objective is to unite people and have them dance with vibrantly hued wooden sticks adorned in exquisite traditional attire. May the radiance of Dussehra infuse your days with wealth, accomplishments and joy." Jaipur’s RJ Mohit, as Manoj in &TV's Doosri Maa, says, “Jaipur exudes vibrancy through its festive spirit. The city hosts multiple Ramleela performances, and I have enjoyed attending them many times. These events serve as a poignant reminder of the eternal triumph of righteousness over malevolence, which Dussehra epitomises. No Dussehra celebration in Jaipur is complete without a trip to a Mela. Here, one encounters traditional amusements like Ferris Wheels and Merry-Go-Rounds and an abundance of delectable street food and sweet treats tucked into every corner of the fairgrounds.” For Dussera’s festive fervour in Chandigarh, Charrul Malik, as Rusa in &TV's Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, says, “Dussehra in Chandigarh is filled with happiness and unity, commemorating the triumph of good over evil, like celebrations in various regions of India. A prominent ritual during this time is the incineration of puppets representing the demon king Ravana, his son Meghnad, and his brother Kumbhakarna, serving as a powerful symbol of the victory of virtue over malevolence. Numerous cultural events, encompassing dance and musical presentations, are scheduled to delight the masses and mark the occasion. Additionally, individuals visit temples to offer prayers and seek blessings on this auspicious day.” 

Watch Doosri Maa at 8:00 pm, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 pm, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 pm, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!