Dussehra is one of the most important festivals in India, celebrating the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashvin, which usually falls in September or October. The festival commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana.
On the day of Dussehra, sculptures of Ravana and his brothers Meghnad and Kumbhakarna are burnt in public squares. This symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the destruction of evil forces.
Dussehra is also a time for family gatherings and celebrations. People exchange gifts, sweets and other delicacies. They also visit temples and pray for happiness and prosperity.
Why is Dussehra called Vijayadashmi?
Dussehra is also known as Vijayadashami, which is a Sanskrit word meaning “tenth day of victory”.
While the term Dussehra is more commonly used in the North Indian states and Karnataka, the term Vijayadashami is more popular in West Bengal. Bengalis celebrate the festival by performing Durga Visarjan, a ritual in which devotees carry idols of Maa Durga for immersion in holy water bodies.
Durga Visarjan is a touching and emotional event, as it marks the end of the five-day Durga Puja festival.
The Durga Visarjan procession is a magnificent and colorful spectacle. Devotees sing and dance traditional songs and dances while carrying the idol of Maa Durga through the streets.
The procession is often accompanied by drummers and musicians, and people from all walks of life come to witness it.
There are several reasons why Dussehra is called Vijayadashmi:
- It marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. In the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama and his allies fight Ravana, who has kidnapped Rama’s wife Sita. After a long and fierce battle, Rama eventually defeats Ravana and rescues Sita. Dussehra celebrates this victory of good over evil.
- It commemorates the victory of the goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. In Hindu scriptures, the goddess Durga is often depicted as a warrior goddess who protects good from evil. Dussehra celebrates one of Durga’s most famous victories, her defeat of Mahishasura.
- It marks the end of the nine-day Navratri festival. Navratri is a festival that celebrates the various forms of the Hindu goddess Shakti. Dussehra falls on the tenth and last day of Navratri.
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What is the significance of Dussehra?
Apart from its religious significance, Dussehra is also a time to celebrate the victory of good over evil, truth over lies and righteousness over injustice. It is time to reflect on the importance of these values and recommit ourselves to living according to them.
Here are some of the specific reasons why Dussehra is significant:- H3 tag
- Victory of Good over Evil: Dussehra celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over King Ravana. This victory symbolizes the victory of good over evil, truth over lies and justice over injustice.
- Importance of unity and cooperation: Lord Rama was able to defeat Ravana with the help of his allies. This teaches us the importance of togetherness and cooperation in achieving our goals.
- New Beginnings: Dussehra is a time for new beginnings. Many people start new businesses or ventures on this day. It is also a time to reflect on the past year and make decisions for the future.
- Family and Community: Dussehra is a time for family gatherings and celebrations. People exchange gifts, sweets and other delicacies. They also visit temples and pray for happiness and prosperity.
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Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education