Dussehra and Vijayadashami: A Festival of Victory of Good over Evil
By Intimate Viewpoint
Introduction
India is a land of festivals where every celebration carries deep spiritual, cultural, and social meaning. Among these, Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals.
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Observed at the end of the nine-day Navratri festival, Dussehra symbolizes the victory of righteousness, truth, and virtue over falsehood, sin, and evil. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country, though customs and traditions vary in different regions. Beyond its religious importance, the festival also imparts timeless moral lessons that remain relevant even in modern times.
The Meaning of Dussehra and Vijayadashami
The word “Dussehra” is derived from two Sanskrit words – Dasha (ten) and Hara (defeat). It signifies the defeat of the ten-headed demon king Ravana by Lord Rama. On the other hand, the term “Vijayadashami” comes from Vijaya (victory) and Dashami (the tenth day of the lunar month). Together, the festival is celebrated as the triumph of good over evil.
The festival falls on the tenth day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Hindu month of Ashwin, which usually comes in September or October according to the Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated immediately after Navratri and twenty days before Diwali, making it a crucial part of India’s festive season.
Mythological Significance
Dussehra holds multiple mythological associations, making it meaningful in different ways to various communities.
Victory of Lord Rama over Ravana
The most popular legend comes from the Ramayana. According to the epic, Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, abducted Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. To rescue her, Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana and the devoted Hanuman, waged a battle against Ravana. After a fierce war that lasted ten days, Rama killed Ravana on the day of Vijayadashami. This victory is seen as the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil). The burning of Ravana’s effigies during Dussehra symbolizes the destruction of arrogance, greed, and evil from society.
Victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura
In many parts of India, particularly in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and other eastern states, Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja. According to the Devi Mahatmya, Goddess Durga fought a battle against the powerful buffalo demon Mahishasura for nine nights and ten days. On the tenth day, she killed him, restoring peace and dharma in the universe. This symbolizes the victory of divine feminine power (Shakti) over destructive forces.
Pandavas’ Return from Exile
Another story from the Mahabharata connects Vijayadashami with the Pandavas. After being exiled for thirteen years, including one year of living in disguise, the Pandavas retrieved their weapons hidden in a Shami tree on Vijayadashami and prepared to reclaim their kingdom. Since then, worship of the Shami tree on this day has become a tradition in some regions, especially Maharashtra.
Regional Variations in Celebrations
India’s cultural diversity is reflected in the way Dussehra is celebrated across different regions. While the core message of the festival remains the same, the rituals and customs vary.
Northern India: Ramlila and Effigy Burning
In states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab, Dussehra is marked by dramatic performances of the Ramlila, where episodes from the Ramayana are enacted over the course of several days. On Vijayadashami, giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are burnt, accompanied by fireworks and cheering crowds. These performances are not only a form of entertainment but also a medium to pass on cultural values and traditions to future generations.
West Bengal and Eastern India: Durga Puja
In West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, Vijayadashami is observed as the grand conclusion of Durga Puja. Elaborately decorated idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in rivers or seas in a ritual called Visarjan. Women participate in the traditional Sindoor Khela, where they apply vermilion to each other as a symbol of marital bliss and good fortune. The immersion procession is filled with music, dance, and chants of “Durga Maa ki Jai,” signifying the departure of the goddess to her celestial abode.
Maharashtra: Shami Puja and Exchange of Leaves
In Maharashtra, people perform Aparajita Puja and worship the Shami tree on Vijayadashami. It is believed that the Pandavas had hidden their weapons in this tree. People also exchange its leaves, known as “gold leaves” (Sona), as a gesture of goodwill, prosperity, and victory.
South India: Mysore Dussehra
One of the grandest celebrations takes place in Mysore, Karnataka. Here, Dussehra is celebrated as a state festival with royal processions, cultural programs, and the illumination of the Mysore Palace with thousands of lights. A grand procession featuring the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari mounted on a golden howdah and carried on an elephant is the highlight of the festival.
Other Traditions
In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, households arrange “Bommai Golu”, where dolls representing gods, goddesses, animals, and scenes from daily life are displayed. In Himachal Pradesh, the Kullu Dussehra is unique, as it begins on Vijayadashami and continues for a week, attracting thousands of devotees.
Rituals and Customs
The rituals of Dussehra vary across regions, but some common practices include:
Worship of Weapons and Tools: Known as Ayudha Puja, this ritual involves worshipping one’s instruments, weapons, books, and vehicles, symbolizing respect for the sources of livelihood and strength.
Feasts and Fairs: Communities come together to celebrate with fairs, food stalls, music, and dance, creating a joyful atmosphere.
New Beginnings: Vijayadashami is considered an auspicious day to start new ventures, business projects, or educational pursuits, as it symbolizes victory and success.
Storytelling and Cultural Programs: Plays, folk dances, and songs narrating mythological stories are organized, reminding people of the values of truth, courage, and devotion.
Symbolism of Dussehra
Beyond rituals, Dussehra carries profound symbolic meanings:
Victory of Truth over Falsehood: The destruction of Ravana signifies that no matter how powerful evil may seem, truth and virtue ultimately prevaprevai
Inner Reflection: Ravana’s ten heads represent negative qualities such as anger, greed, jealousy, ego, and lust. Burning his effigy is symbolic of burning these vices within ourselves.
Empowerment of Women: The worship of Goddess Durga highlights the strength of feminine power and its role in maintaining balance in the universe.
Unity and Social Harmony: Festivals like Dussehra bring communities together, fostering unity, cultural pride, and collective joy.
Contemporary Relevance
In today’s world, where materialism, competition, and conflicts often dominate, the message of Dussehra holds great significance. It teaches us to stand against injustice, uphold moral values, and cultivate inner purity. Just as Lord Rama and Goddess Durga overcame mighty adversaries, we too must fight the evils of corruption, inequality, violence, and negativity in society.
The festival also emphasizes respect for traditions while encouraging unity in diversity. Whether celebrated through Ramlila, Durga Puja, or Shami Puja, Dussehra binds people of different regions and cultures with a common spirit of hope and positivity.
Conclusion
Dussehra and Vijayadashami are not just religious festivals; they are reminders of timeless truths. They inspire us to defeat the “Ravana” within, to embrace righteousness, and to celebrate the victory of light over darkness. As families come together, idols are immersed, effigies are burnt, and prayers are offered, the spirit of Dussehra echoes a universal message – goodness will always triumph over evil.
Thus, Dussehra is more than a festival; it is a guiding principle for life, urging us to walk the path of truth, courage, and virtue. Its celebrations, deeply rooted in mythology, culture, and tradition, continue to illuminate hearts with the hope that no matter how strong evil becomes, it will ultimately be destroyed by the power of truth and righteousness.
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