Two years have passed since Kota last saw the vibrance and grandeur of its most awaited festival. A festival, which every citizen longs for all year round. After being deprived of it, the Kota Dussehra Mela 2022 is in full swing this year. The beauty of this festival is the talk of the entire country. Such is the splendor of this festival. Every year Kota celebrates the victory of good over evil in the most magnificent way and this article is going to give you a tiny glimpse into the magic.
This year the mela has already started from the 26th of September and is dated to continue till 21st of October, 2022.
HISTORY
History of Kota Dussehra Mela dates back to 1723 AD, the reign of of Maharao Durjan Sal Singh Hada. At that time, the celebrations were centered around various religious processions and offerings at different Temples. An interesting event that made its mark during this time was the ‘Darikhana’, an assembly of various ‘Thikanedars’ at the palace.
The Dussehra celebrations during this time lasted for 3 days with effigies Ravan being burnt. With generations, this tradition too was passed down, but the credit of turning this festival into the way we see it today goes to Maharao Ummed Singh II
THE EVENT
Cultural night and performance
Prominent artistes from all over the country are invited to participate in cultural programs who enthral the huge audience with their performances. Rich in courtly splendour and age old traditions , the Dussehra festival here is marked by a glittering procession which attracts thousands from the surrounding villages . Like all festivals in Rajasthan , it provides a good opportunity to the traders to display their attractive wares to the rural and urban buyers . Small effigies of Lord Ram, Sita and Lakhsman are very common works of sculpture.
Along with religious programs, many cultural programs have also become part of this astonishing event. On Vijayadashmi, somebody representing the erstwhile royal family shoots an arrow toward the effigy of Ravan which depicts the death of Ravan by the hands of Ram. More than 1 Lac people from Kota and nearby villages reach Dussehra Maidan to witness this event. From the next day onward the series of cultural programs starts. Prominent artists from all over the country are invited to participate in various cultural programmes. The events include Cine Sandhya, Kavi Sammelan, Sindhi cultural programme, Bhajan Sandhya, Rajasthani folk music and dance programme, all-India mushaira, Punjabi programme, qawwali night, Bhojpuri Night etc
If you want an early sneak peek into the magic, watch the documentary here.
Competitions
Various competitions like turban and moustache competition, All India Wushu competition, all India Chambal kesri wrestling competition, All India Wushu Competition, Mahendi, Rangoli, Mandana competition, Mr. & Mrs. Hadoti Competition, Hattha Mala Competition, Long Hair Competition, best bridal makeup competition, longest and shortest women & men competition etc are organised.
See the full list of events along with schedule here.
Dussehra Delicacies
Foods add more flavours to this mega festival every year.
Narisabad ki kachori,
Pannalal ke pkode will once again win our hearts and taste buds .
Exhibitions
Art and craft fairs are a perennial feature of the town but the annual Dussehra festival holds and unusual lure for everyone.
Rajsthani handcrafts are the prized possessions of this Mela.
SCHEDULE FOR KOTA DUSSEHRA MELA 2022
VENUE
The festivities are in full swing at5R8J+JRV, Shakti Nagar, Dadabari, Kota.
For Google Maps Direction click here.
HOW TO REACH
One can easily take an auto from any area of Kota to reach here. Also attached are the expected auto fares (one way)
Kota Junction —– ₹200
Vigyan Nagar —- ₹60- ₹80
Talwandi —– ₹60- ₹80
Indra Vihar —– ₹120
Kunhadi (Landmark city) —- ₹150
Mahaveer Nagar —- ₹ 150
Indraprastha area (city mall) —- ₹150
Dadabari —- walking distance
Approximately 15 lakhs people are going to visit the fair. There will be around 1000 shops with different displays & more than 50 fun rides. We recommend visiting Kota Dussehra Mela with your friends and family.
We hope that this article answered all your questions. If this article was helpful, share with your friends and family. Team IHOIK wishes you a Very Happy Dussehra!