Introduce
Dussehra also known as “Vijayadashami” is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India. It is one of the most popular Hindu festivals in India after Deepawali and Holi. The festival commemorates the victory of good over evil. In the essay we will get to know the era, legend, celebration and meaning of Dussehra.
Contents
When is Dussehra celebrated?
Dussehra festival is celebrated on the 10th day of the month Ashwin or Kartik of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which usually corresponds to the month of the Gregorian calendar from September to October.
The festival also falls on the tenth day after the nine days of Durga Puja and 20 days before the Deepawali festival.
Mythical legends
The legend of the Dussehra celebration is associated with Lord Rama and his victory over the demon king Ravana. Rama, prince of Ayodhya is living in exile in the Dandaka forest (southern India) with his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshmana.
In the turn of events, Sita is kidnapped by Ravana, who brings her to his kingdom of ‘Lanka’, present-day Sri Lanka. Rama was a noble prince who was famous for his archery skills and moral values. He was able to organize sympathizers and start a war with Ravana, to free Sita.
The Ramayana war lasted for nearly 13 days and in The end, Rama killed Ravana. It is truly a victory of good over evil. This day is celebrated as Dussehra. Rama returned to Ayodhaya 20 days after the battle and this day is celebrated as Deepawali.
Celebration of Dussehra
This festival is celebrated with particular fervor and enthusiasm, all over the country. Preparations for the festival were carried out months in advance. Dussehra is not held at home but more like a community fair, held with other members of society.
This is celebrated after the nine-day Durga Puja festival, making the festival even more grand. The fair is held in several locations, where people go with their families to shop in temporary stores and enjoy local delicacies.
A more important event of Dussehra celebrations is a large effigy of Ravana that is burned in the evening. Dummies are usually kept in a large park and a safe distance from settlements. It is also fenced at a safe distance for viewers. The dummy is also equipped with fireworks which gives it a celebratory punch.
As the effigy burned with a burst of fireworks, the crowd cheered with boundless happiness and joy. It is truly a sight to behold.
Meaning of Dussehra
The festival is very important to the Hindu community in India for two main reasons. First, it celebrates the victory of Lord Rama, one of the most revered figures in Hinduism. Second, it celebrates the victory of good over evil and sends a message that no matter how great the forces of evil, they will eventually be defeated by truth and morality. This festival and its message are the basis for the true maturity of Hindu beliefs and customs. Virtually every Hindu festival has a message denoting righteousness, truth, and moral elevation.
Rama was revered not because he was a prince, but because he was a noble prince who always respected his principles and rightness above material possessions. The glory of Rama is such that he has his followers in almost every kingdom across the length and breadth of India. This festival signifies moral righteousness and every Hindu idealizes Rama as their role model. Inference
The Hindus of India have been celebrating Dussehra for thousands of years and it will be celebrated for millennia to come with the same fervor and passion. The methods and rituals may change over time, but the meaning of the festival remains the same.
