Dussehra 2014: A Spectacular Triumph of Good Over Evil

Dussehra is an immensely significant festival of Hindus.

Namaste!

Welcome to the world of resolute readings at www.onindianpath.com. Today’s blog is on Vijayadashami or Dussehra, the famous festival of Hindus denoting the victory of good over bad.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Hinduism is a rich religion spreading happiness with all moral and real life teachings. From Ramayana to Mahabharata, we learn the code of conduct at every stage of life. Apparently, Hindus celebrate this festival with great grandeur across the country. The festive season started from Navratri and happiness spreads till Diwali.

Why is it called Vijay Dashami?

Moreover, Vijayadashami is one of the most important festivals of Hindus. It also known as Dussehra, Dasara or Dashain.

Infact Vijayadashami or Dussehra is a major Hindu festival celebrated every year at the end of Navaratri. Vijayadashami means dashami (10th day) on which Vijay (victory) was achieved.Furthermore, it pis the day of celebrating the defeat of demon King Ravana by Lord Rama.

Date and puja muhurat of Dussehra

As per Hindu Panchang, Dussehra falls on Dashmi of Ashwin mas.

In addition to, this year we are going to celebrate Dussehra on 12 October 2024.

However, the Vijay muhurat will start at 2 : 05 pm and end at 2:52 pm. Also the aparhna puja time is important for celebrations, will start at 1: 17 PM and ends at 3:40 PM on 13 October 2024.

Legend of Dussehra

As per great Hindu epic Ramayana, Lord Rama, Lakshmana and goddess Sita were given exile for 14 years by Rama’s step mother Kekayi. During the exile, all three of them went to different jungles and places.

Once, Suparnkha, sister of demon king Ravana visited jungles and got awestuck by the looks of Lord Rama. She wanted to marry him. But, Lord Rama declined her proposal and Lakshmana cut her nose.

To take revenge, Suparnkha asked her brother Ravana. Demon King Ravana kidnapped Goddess Sita from the jungles. Further, he took her to his gold studded country Lanka. Although, goddess Sita refused his proposal of marriage.

Here, Lord Rama along with Lakshmana went for the hunt of his wife Sita. With the help of Lord Hanumana, he got to know about Ravana.

Finally, on the tenth day of Ashwin mas, Lord Rama killed Ravana and took his wife back to his kingdom.

Significance of Dussehra

Indeed Dussehra is celebrated with great splendour and fervor all over the country. Especially in Northern India, Dussehra’s commemoration starts with huge grounds hosting Ramleela, dandiya nights, Dussehra fairs and food fests.

Popular forms of Dussehra

Ayodha Puja

While in some parts of India, Dussehra is celebrated as the Ayudha Puja. Hindus clean and decorate their tools, vehicles and reverve them as these are their source of livelihood.

Dassan (Mysore)

Similarly, in Mysore people celebrate it as Dassan. Do you know why this Hindu festival is called Dasara or Vijayadashami? Answer is it marks the the victory of good over evil.

However, it was the day when Goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) killed the buffalo shaped demon Mahishasura. Mahishasura was the demon whose slaying by the Goddess Durga gave the city the name Mysuru.

Hence, Dasara is celebrated with procession of celebrating the warriors and the state fighting for the good during this festival. The parade also displays the state sword, weapons, elephants, horses along with Hindu goddess in her warrior form along with the Vishnu avatar Rama. This is a show of gratitude to the tools that help them earn their livelihood.This procession is a big tourist attraction of Mysore.

Visarjan

In addition to this, Dussehra concludes with the immersion (Visarjan) of Durga idols majorly in West Bengal. People bring an idol of maa Durga either at home or Pandal. They take care, worship and enjoy navratri with her for nine days and at the end, they do visarjan of idol at river or ocean.

Ramleela

How can we forget Ramleela? I have been watching Ramleela since my childhood. Although it’s charm and audience are fading with time, but some folklore is always a part of my heart.

So readers, Ramleela is a dramatic re-enactment of scenes from the epic Ramayana. Here the gods and goddesses are adorned with finery. They enact it finely with others majorly at urban and rural areas. Modern gen alpha might not understand the value of this folk theater in this digital age. But for me it is part of must to do ritual.

Ravana Dahan

Particularly Dussehra is celebrated with enthusiasm throughout India specially burning of effigies of Ravana. In the northern part of India, the burning of Ravana’s effigies is the most prominent tradition. These effigies can be enormous and are filled with fireworks, making for a spectacular display. There are three effigies- Ravana, Kumbhakaran (brother of Ravana) and Meghnath (son of Ravana).

Tilak Ceremony

On Dussehra, it is customary practice to mark tika (vermilion mark) on the forehead from elders or pandits, along with some prasad (blessed food). In some ethnicity people ask their sisters to mark tikka on foreheads of their brothers for their well being and safety. This is a symbol of protection and good luck.

Conclusion

At the end, we know this festivals teaches us the value and importance of truth, righteousness and virtuous behaviour and code of ethics to live happily and correctly. Have a happy time ahead.

About Author

Akansha Agarwal

Namaste! AKANSHA AGARWAL is on a mission to help people to fall in love with India and its richest culture. She holds M.A. and B.A. in Mass communications. Her 12 years of work experience as a copywriter and content writer has marked her journey more fun and enthralling. She strongly believe in Karma and abide by the Niyama and Yama of Hinduism. She has been a spiritual seeker, Reiki healer, teacher, guide and mentor to many young minds. She would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading.

See author's posts