Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most important Hindu festivals that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It marks the end of the nine-day Navratri festival and the tenth day of the Durga Puja festival. It also coincides with the anniversary of Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana, who had kidnapped his wife Sita.
The word Dussehra comes from the Sanskrit words dasha (ten) and hara (defeat), meaning the defeat of the ten-headed Ravana. According to the epic Ramayana, Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana and his devotee Hanuman, waged a war against Ravana and his army in Lanka. After a fierce battle, Rama killed Ravana with his divine arrow and rescued Sita. He then returned to his kingdom Ayodhya with his wife and brother, where he was welcomed by the people with joy and enthusiasm.
Dussehra is celebrated in different ways across India and other parts of the world. In North India, people enact the story of Rama and Ravana in a theatrical performance called Ram Lila. They also burn huge effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnada and his brother Kumbhkarana, filled with firecrackers, in open fields. This symbolizes the destruction of evil and the restoration of righteousness.
In South India, people worship the goddess Durga, who represents the power of good over evil. They also display dolls and figurines of gods and goddesses in their homes, known as Golu or Kolu. They exchange gifts and sweets with their friends and relatives and visit temples and fairs.
In East India, especially in West Bengal, people celebrate Durga Puja with great fervour and devotion. They worship the idols of Durga, who is depicted as slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura, with her ten arms and weapons. They also immerse the idols in water bodies on the last day of the festival, signifying the departure of the goddess to her heavenly abode.
In Nepal, Dussehra is known as Dashain, and is the biggest festival of the year. People worship the goddess Durga and her various forms, such as Kali, Saraswati and Lakshmi. They also receive blessings and money from their elders and fly kites and play games. They sacrifice animals such as goats, buffaloes and chickens to the goddess and feast on their meat.
Dussehra is a festival that reminds us of the importance of morality, courage and faith. It teaches us to uphold our values and principles and fight against injustice and oppression. It also inspires us to overcome our weaknesses and vices and achieve our goals. It is a festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, truth over falsehood and life over death.
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