DUSSEHRA

What is Dussehra?

Dussehra is a Hindu festival that marks the culmination of a 9 day period of festivities called navratri (nine nights), with Dussehra being the 10th. Generally speaking, Dussehra is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil but is also the beginning of the harvest season in India and so people invoke the Mother Goddess to watch over the new harvest season and rejuvenate the fertility of the soil. This festival is celebrated in all regions of India but different communities choose to observe it in different ways. The dates of this festival are determined according to the lunar calendar and hence it falls on a different date of the Gregorian calendar every year.

The Victory of Good over Evil :- 

Dussehra is also known as Vijayadashami in some regions of India. If we set aside the regional differences, the main events of this festival have one motto i.e. the victory of good over evil. In other words, this festival signifies the victory of the power of good over that of the power of evil. If we look at the Hindu mythology, it says that on this day Goddess Durga removed the demon called Mahishasura from the earth. Similarly, other traditions believe that Lord Rama fought and eliminated the Demon King Ravana on this very day. Thus, we see how both events have the same outcome. The outcome that is of light over dark, truth over lies and good over evil. Therefore, we see that while people’s belief may differ, they celebrate the very same essence throughout the country.

Dussehra Celebrations :- 

The festival is celebrated in various parts of India uniquely as it holds multifaceted importance in India’s culture.

North India :- In Northern India, the festival holds a great significance as it signifies good over evil. The Ramayana is depicted through stage plays, drama and theatre ten days before the festival. Professional theatre actors perform in cities, villages and suburbs. Huge effigies of Ravana and Kumbhakarna are put up and lit on the day of the festival amidst the carnival-like surrounding.

South India :- In Tamil Nadu, the nine days are considered to be holy and prosperous. The entire nine days is dedicated to the three principal deities. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for the first three days to bless them with wealth. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped the next three days to seek knowledge and art, and lastly, Goddess Durga is worshipped to seek Shakti (energy). In states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka miniature dolls are set up in homes known as ‘Bommai Kolu’.

Eastern India :- Goddess Durga is commemorated and worshipped by the devotees. It is believed that she subdued the demon and killed him. Therefore, the day signifies the victory of Goddess Durga. Furthermore, the festival is also named as Vijayadashmi. Pandals are set up where the idol of Goddess is installed followed by Aarti in the evening.

Western India :- In Maharashtra, the leaves of Bauhinia is exchanged as gold along with sweets. The idol of Goddess Durga is immersed on Dussehra. To sum up, people forget their worries and celebrate the festival. It is also believed that Dussehra brings happiness and new beginnings.

Conclusion :- Dussehra carries a lot of importance in the Hindu religion. However, people from all religions witness the marvelous act of burning Ravana. It unites people as the audience is filled with people from all walks of life, and not just the Hindu religion. Most importantly, Dussehra teaches us that good always trumps evil and that light will always conquer darkness.