In the festive spirit of Dussehra, celebrities share their cherished childhood memories of Dussehra and reflect on the evils they hope to see eradicated from society. From calling for an end to social injustice to advocating for a more compassionate world, these stars offer both nostalgic insights and a vision for a better future
Delnaaz Irani: Dussehra was always such a special time for me and my family. I still remember the excitement of wearing new clothes and heading out to watch the Ravan Dahan with my loved ones. The fireworks, the delicious food, and the stories of Lord Rama defeating Ravana made the festival unforgettable. It was a time of happiness and togetherness, and I loved every bit of it. When I was a child, Dussehra was always full of fun! It was a time of pure joy. While Dussehra is a time to celebrate the victory of good, I also feel it’s important to address a form of “evil” that still exists today: bullying. Negativity not only harms individuals but also creates a toxic environment. We need to foster kindness and acceptance in the world. We need to create a world where everyone is kind and accepts each other. By helping one another, we can make a real difference in people’s lives.
Megha Sharma: I miss celebrating Dussehra in Delhi. All the houses used to get a Dussehra makeover with lights, decorations, and marigold flowers. I used to fast, following my mom's tradition. This is a practice I continue to uphold to this day. I pray that we continue to have faith in doing the right thing, no matter how difficult it is. In today’s world, one of the biggest Ravana is intolerance. Whether it’s differences in opinions, religion, or lifestyle, the lack of understanding and empathy leads to so much division. I would like to see us burn away the intolerance and replace it with more acceptance and unity. That, to me, would be a true victory for society.
Umesh Ghadge: Dussehra is great fun, just like every other festival, not just in childhood but even now. The whole family dresses up, visits relatives and friends, and distributes sweets. I am a Maharashtrian, so we have a tradition of exchanging ‘Aptyachi pane’ (Bauhinia racemosa), also known as bidi leaf, with each other as a symbol of gold and prosperity, and we seek the blessings of the elderly. Then we would visit various Santoshi Mata pandals at night. I also have fond memories of playing garba/dandiya raas during Navratri. Watching the huge effigies of Ravan burn was a spectacular and scary sight when I was small. When it comes to one evil of society that should be eradicated, not just one, but two issues stand out to me today: sexual abuse and animal cruelty.
Anupama Solanki: I remember we used to go and watch Ravan burn down to ashes, which was very exciting at that point in time. The spectacle was not just about the flames and the effigy; it symbolized the victory of good over evil, a powerful lesson we learned as children. The struggle of choosing between good and evil can be tricky at times, but it is up to us to stay on track and keep a balance. If we notice negative trends in society, we are the ones equipped to put an end to them or at least raise our voices against them. As Gandhiji said, "Be the change you want to see." We must strive to embody the values we wish to see in the world, whether it’s through acts of kindness, standing up for the marginalized, or fostering an environment of understanding and acceptance. Ultimately, while the flames of Ravan may symbolize the destruction of evil, it is our ongoing commitment to righteousness and compassion that will truly ignite change in our society.
Shivangi Verma: Dussehra is a very positive day as it marks the victory of good over evil. As a child, I used to be very excited about this day. My sister and I would dress up in traditional clothes, go pandal hopping, and at the end of the day, we would go to watch Ravan Dahan. For me, the Ravana that needs to be destroyed is gender discrimination. Despite the progress we’ve made, women and girls still face barriers in education, the workplace, and even their own homes. I want to see a society where everyone is treated equally, no matter their gender. Burning this evil would bring us closer to a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive without limitations or bias.
Sumit Khetan: For me, Navratri has always been more than just the lively garba nights and dandiya festivities that so many love. While the world celebrates with music and dance, my heart and soul are devoted to something far more personal and spiritual—Ramleela. I’ve been performing Ramleela since I was 7 years old. I dedicate all nine days of Navratri to this timeless tradition. It’s a passion that has remained with me throughout my life, transcending my professional journey and staying close to my heart. For me, it’s not just a religious performance—it’s a path to inner calm and peace of mind. Those nine days of Ramleela give me 365 days of peace. The Ravana of environmental damage is one that needs to be eradicated immediately. As we face climate change and the degradation of our planet, it’s crucial to burn away the bad habits and policies that harm nature. Protecting our environment on an individual level should be our priority to ensure a healthier world for future generations.