Dussehra which is also popularly known as Vijayadashmi symbolises the prevalence of good over evil. This day is a commemoration of Lord Rama's victory over King Ravana, who had cleverly abducted his wife, Sita. This Thursday as the country will be rejoicing in the festive mood, let me take you through Baijnath- a small sleepy town in Himachal Pradesh where Dussehra is not celebrated
Legends have it that during the Treta Yug, King Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva on the Kailash in order to get the endowment of invincibility and immortality. He even beheaded his ten heads at Lord Shiva’s altar. Pleased by this self- sacrificing act and his sincerity, Lord Shiva granted him his wishes and restored his heads. But this was not enough for King Ravana. In order to have more from him, he politely requested Shiva to accompany him to Lanka. Lord Shiva was touched by this deed and agreed to accompany him. Shiva took the shape of a ling and told Ravana not to place it on the ground on his way. If he did, he will not be able to lift it again.
However, when Ravana reached Baijnath, he felt the need to answer the nature's call. On seeing the shepherd Baiju, Ravana handed over the ling to him, till the time he comes back. The shepherd found the ling too heavy and put it on the ground. As the lord mentioned, the ling resides in Baijnath then on and became the abode of Shiva.
It is due to this belief that the residents of Baijnath do not celebrate Dussehra to mark the respect of a devotee towards Lord Shiva. It is considered that celebrating this festival will bring bad luck to the residents of Baijnath. It is also believed that in the past people who have burned the effigies, have brought upon themselves the wrath of Lord Shiva and faced disastrous consequences.
On this day even the markets remain closed in Baijnath and Paprola. The fear of upsetting Lord Shiva is so high that there are no goldsmiths in the town as well. This is because that King Ravana was residing in the country of Gold whereas for Lord Shiva, the gold was just another piece of a stone. The disagreement between the Lord and the devotee is the reason behind Baijnath not to have any goldsmith shops.
Baijnath was named after the shepherd, Baiju. During 13th century, Baijnath temple was built around the ancient Ling which is today one of the most significant pilgrimage for Hindus.
Well whether this is a myth or a real story but certainly this is enough to keep people at Baijnath away from celebrating Dusserhra.The town is located midway between Mandi and Palampur, which is at a distance of 60 Kms from Dharamshala in Kangra District.