Dussehra

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India and some other parts of South Asia. It usually falls in the month of October or November, and the exact date varies each year according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

Dussehra marks the end of the ten-day-long festival of Navratri, which celebrates the victory of good over evil. The festival is associated with the legend of Lord Rama, who is believed to have defeated the demon king Ravana after a ten-day battle. On the tenth day of the festival, which is known as Vijayadashami, Lord Rama is said to have killed Ravana and thus symbolically triumphed over evil.

Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm in different parts of India, with various customs and traditions. In some places, effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnath are burned to symbolize the victory of good over evil. In other parts, it is celebrated as a day when people exchange gifts and sweets with each other, and seek the blessings of the goddess Durga.

Overall, Dussehra is a significant festival that reflects the triumph of good over evil, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy by Hindus all over the world.

History of Dussehra

The history of Dussehra is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and has evolved over time to become a significant festival in the Hindu calendar. The festival is celebrated in different parts of India and has various interpretations and legends associated with it.

One of the most popular legends associated with Dussehra is the story of Lord Rama and his victory over the demon king Ravana. According to Hindu mythology, Ravana had abducted Rama's wife, Sita, and taken her to his kingdom in Lanka. Rama, with the help of his brother Lakshmana and the monkey god Hanuman, waged a war against Ravana and defeated him on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Vijayadashami.

Another popular legend associated with Dussehra is the story of the goddess Durga and her defeat of the buffalo demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, Mahishasura had obtained a boon from the gods that made him invincible, and he began to wreak havoc on the earth. The gods then created the goddess Durga, who defeated Mahishasura on the tenth day of the festival.

Dussehra is also celebrated as a harvest festival in some parts of India, and it is believed to mark the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest season. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and involves a lot of cultural activities, including music, dance, and traditional rituals.

Overall, Dussehra has a rich history and is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and is an important occasion for Hindus all over the world.

What to do on Dussehra?

Dussehra is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm in different parts of India. The festival usually falls in the month of October or November, and the exact date varies each year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Here are some traditional activities and customs that are associated with the celebration of Dussehra:

Attend a puja: Dussehra is a day to seek the blessings of the goddess Durga and thank her for her victory over evil. You can attend a puja at a temple or at home, where prayers are offered to the goddess and special rituals are performed.

Visit a fair: Dussehra is a time for celebration, and many cities and towns hold fairs and exhibitions. You can visit these fairs to enjoy the cultural performances, shop for traditional items, and taste local food.

Burn effigies of Ravana: In some parts of India, effigies of the demon king Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnath are burned on the day of Dussehra to symbolize the victory of good over evil.

Wear new clothes: Dussehra is a time to celebrate new beginnings, and it is customary to wear new clothes on this day. You can choose traditional outfits or dress up in modern attire.

Exchange gifts and sweets: Dussehra is a time for sharing happiness and joy with family and friends. You can exchange gifts and sweets with loved ones to spread the festive spirit.

Perform cultural activities: Dussehra is a time for cultural performances, such as music, dance, and drama. You can participate in these activities or attend performances to enjoy the festivities.

Overall, Dussehra is a time to celebrate the victory of good over evil, seek blessings from the goddess Durga, and enjoy the festive spirit with family and friends.