Dussehra is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India, and in some other parts of the Indian subcontinent, with great enthusiasm and fervor. The festival is observed on the tenth day of the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin, which typically falls in September or October. The festival marks the triumph of good over evil and holds significant religious and cultural importance. There are various reasons why Dussehra is celebrated in India:
Victory of Lord Rama: One of the primary
reasons for celebrating Dussehra is to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama
over the demon king Ravana. According to the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama, with the
help of Hanuman, defeated Ravana and rescued his wife Sita, who had been
abducted by Ravana.
Goddess Durga's
Triumph:
Dussehra is also associated with the triumph of Goddess Durga over the buffalo
demon Mahishasura. It is believed that Goddess Durga fought with Mahishasura
for nine days and nights before finally defeating him on the tenth day, which is
celebrated as Vijayadashami.
Symbol of Victory of
Good over Evil:
The festival signifies the victory of righteousness over evil forces. It is a
reminder that truth and virtue always triumph over deceit and malevolence.
Harvest Festival: Dussehra also marks
the end of the harvest season in India and is seen as a time to give thanks for
the bounty of nature and the agricultural produce.
The celebration of Dussehra varies in
different parts of India, with unique customs and traditions associated with
it. It is celebrated with various cultural events, such as the performance of
the Ram Lila, which is a dramatic enactment of the life of Lord Rama, and the
burning of effigies of Ravana, signifying the victory of good over evil. It is
a time of joy, festivities, and cultural gatherings, promoting the values of
truth, righteousness, and the victory of good over evil.
Dussehra, also known as Vijaya Dashami, Dasara, or Dashain, is a Hindu festival that commemorates the triumph of virtue over evil. It is a public holiday in India observed on the 10th day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin (Ashwayuja).
Importance of Dussehra Festival
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a Hindu holiday commemorating
after Navratri. The Dussehra festival represents the
triumph of virtue over evil. Ravana was a formidable ruler. However, he is
unable to control his ego, and so mistreats his people as well as his family
members.
When
earth’s suffering reaches its maximum, god reincarnates on Earth to save the
planet from his torments. As a result, Rama's life and battle with Ravana are
regarded as sacred battles. And the day of triumph is still commemorated as
Dussehra throughout the Indian subcontinent today.