Why we celebrate
Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is among India’s most widely celebrate festivals. It celeberates the victory of good over evil and is enthuisastically .The festival holds religious, cultural, and social significance, making it a celebration that unites people from diverse backgrounds.
Dussehra falls on the tenth day of Ashwin, after the nine-day Navratri festival. The word “Dussehra” comes from two Sanskrit words, “Dasha” (ten) and “Hara” (defeat), symbolising the victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana by Lord Rama.
Significance of Dussehra symbolises the triumph of good over evil, truth over falsehood, and righteousness over deceit. India celeberate this festival with ravana’s effigly burning in the north and godess durga’s trimph over mhaisura in the east. This article explores the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of Dussehra in detail.
The Mythological Background of Dussehra
The Story of Lord Rama and ravana The most well-known story behind Dussehra is from the epic Ramayana, which narrates the tale of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, faced exile for fourteen years. During this time, the demon king Ravana abducted Sita and took her to lanka.
With the help of his loyal devotee Hanuman, an army of Vanaras (monkeys), and his brother Lakshmana, Rama waged a battle against ravana. The battle ended on the tenth day with Rama’s victory, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. This day came to be celebrated as Vijayadashami, or Dussehra.
The Victory of Goddess Durga In Eastern and Northeastern India, Dussehra is celebrated as the culmination of Durga Puja. It commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, who had been terrorising the heavens and earth. The fierce battle lasted nine days, and on the tenth day, the goddess emerged victorious. Durga Puja celebrates the divine feminine power and the triumph of righteousness.
Cultural variation of dussehra celebration
North India
The Ramlila and Effigy Burning In North India, Dussehra is marked by the performance of Ramlila, a dramatic re-enactment of the life of Lord Rama, especially the battle between Rama and Ravana. These plays are performed in villages, towns, and cities, with actors dressed in elaborate costumes, bringing the epic to life for audiences of all ages.
The climax of the celebration is the burning of the effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghnad. These effigies are filled with fireworks and set alight, symbolising the destruction of evil and the importance of leading a virtuous life.
West Bengal and Eastern India
Durga Puja In West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, the celebration of Dussehra is synonymous with Durga Puja. This grand festival begins on the sixth day of Navratri and concludes on Vijayadashami, the day when idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water, signifying her return to Mount Kailash. The festival is marked by vibrant decorations, cultural performances, and traditional dances, showcasing the rich heritage of the region.
South India
Worship of Devi Chamundeshwari In Karnataka, particularly in Mysuru, Dussehra is celebrated with great grandeur. The Mysuru Dasara festival is famous for its royal procession, where the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried on a decorated elephant through the streets of the city. The entire city is adorned with lights, and various cultural programs are held to mark the occasion.
In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, families set up “Golu,” a display of dolls and figurines depicting various themes from Hindu mythology. Women and children visit each other’s homes, sing devotional songs, and exchange gifts.
Western India
Worship of Weapons and Tools In Maharashtra and Gujarat, Dussehra is celebrated with the worship of weapons and tools, symbolising the victory of good. People also perform a ritual called “Seemollanghan,” where they cross the boundaries of their village or town to signify conquering new frontiers. In Gujarat, the final night of Navratri is marked by the famous Garba and Dandiya Raas dances.
Nepal
Dashain Festival In Nepal, Dussehra is celebrated as Dashain, the most important festival of the year. It is a time for family reunions, feasts, and various rituals. The festival honours the goddess Durga and celebrates the victory of good over evil, much like in India. People also receive “Tika” (a mixture of rice, yoghurt, and vermilion) and blessings from their elders during this time.
The Symbolic Difference of Dussehra
Victory of Good Over Evil Dussehra is a reminder that truth and righteousness will always prevail over falsehood and wickedness. It encourages people to reflect on their own lives, to recognize and overcome their negative qualities, and to strive for self-improvement.
Celebrating Courage and Determination The stories of Lord Rama and Goddess Durga are tales of immense courage, determination, and devotion. Dussehra inspires people to face challenges head-on, with the belief that no matter how difficult the situation, victory is possible through perseverance and faith.
Unity in Diversity Dussehra is celebrated in different ways across India, yet the underlying message remains the same—triumph of good over evil. This diversity in celebration highlights the cultural richness of India and the unity that binds the nation despite its differences.
Rituals and customs associate with dussehra
Ramlila Performances Ramlila, the enactment of the Ramayana, is a significant part of Dussehra celebrations in North India. These performances are held in open grounds, attracting large crowds. The plays are not just a form of entertainment but also a means to impart moral values and lessons from the life of Lord Rama.
Effigy Burning The burning of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad symbolises the destruction of evil forces. It serves as a visual representation of the triumph of good, encouraging people to eliminate negative traits like anger, ego, and greed from their lives.
Durga Visarjan In the eastern parts of India, Vijayadashami marks the day when the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in rivers or other water bodies. This ritual, known as “Visarjan,” signifies the departure of the goddess to her heavenly abode and also symbolises the cycle of creation and dissolution.
Shami Tree Worship In some regions, people worship the Shami tree (Prosopis cineraria) on Dussehra. This tradition is linked to the story of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, who hid their weapons in a Shami tree during their exile. On Dussehra, they retrieved their weapons and emerged victorious in battle. The Shami tree is thus considered a symbol of valor and victory.
Exchange of Leaves In Maharashtra, people exchange leaves of the Apta tree, known as “gold” leaves, as a symbol of prosperity and goodwill. This custom is believed to bring wealth and happiness to families.
Modern day relevance of dussehra
Celebrating Values in Today’s World The core message of Dussehra—the triumph of good over evil—remains relevant in today’s world. It reminds us to stand up against injustice, to uphold truth, and to be compassionate and righteous in our actions. The festival encourages introspection and personal growth, urging individuals to overcome their inner demons.
Promoting Environmental Awareness In recent years, there has been growing awareness about the environmental impact of Dussehra celebrations, particularly the burning of effigies and the immersion of idols. Many communities have started using eco-friendly materials for effigies and idols to minimise pollution and protect the environment.
A Time for Family and Community Dussehra is a time for families to come together, for communities to celebrate, and for people to reaffirm their cultural roots. It fosters a sense of unity and belonging, as people from different walks of life join hands to celebrate the festival.
Conclusion
Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of values, traditions, and the eternal truth that good will always triumph over evil. Whether it is the story of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana or Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura, the essence of Dussehra lies in its timeless message of courage, righteousness, and the importance of standing up against evil.
The diverse ways in which Dussehra is celebrated across India and Nepal reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. Despite the differences in customs and rituals, the underlying theme remains the same—celebrating the victory of good over evil and spreading joy, prosperity, and hope.
As we celebrate Dussehra, let us remember to incorporate the values it represents into our lives. Let us strive to be righteous, to face challenges with courage, and to be compassionate.
