Dussehra Festival: Celebrating the Victory of Good Over Evil

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and in various parts of the world. It signifies the triumph of good over evil and marks the culmination of the Navratri festival. The festival falls on the tenth day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin, which typically corresponds to September or October.

The Story of Dussehra

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. This festival is deeply rooted in two significant mythological events: the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana and the triumph of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

The Victory of Lord Rama

1. The Ramayana:

  • Background: The story of Dussehra is primarily drawn from the ancient Hindu epic, the Ramayana, written by the sage Valmiki. The Ramayana narrates the life and adventures of Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya.
  • Exile and Abduction: Due to a boon granted to his stepmother Kaikeyi, Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, is exiled from the kingdom for 14 years. During their exile, Sita is abducted by Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka.

2. The Battle:

  • Allies: Rama forms an alliance with Hanuman, the monkey god, and Sugriva, the monkey king. With their help, he gathers an army of monkeys and bears to rescue Sita.
  • War: A great battle ensues between Rama’s army and Ravana’s forces. The war lasts for several days, marked by intense combat and heroism on both sides.

3. Victory:

  1. Defeating Ravana: On the day of Vijayadashami, Rama finally defeats and kills Ravana with a powerful arrow, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Sita is rescued, and the couple, along with Lakshmana, returns to Ayodhya.
  2. Homecoming: Rama’s return to Ayodhya is celebrated with great joy, marked by the festival of Diwali, which occurs twenty days after Dussehra.

The Triumph of Goddess Durga

1. The Mahishasura Myth:

  • Background: Another significant story associated with Dussehra is found in the Devi Mahatmya, a part of the Markandeya Purana. It recounts the legend of Mahishasura, a powerful demon who obtained a boon from Lord Brahma that made him invincible to any man or god.
  • Terror: Empowered by this boon, Mahishasura terrorized the heavens and the earth, defeating gods and causing chaos.

2. The Creation of Durga:

  • Divine Intervention: To counter Mahishasura, the gods combined their divine energies to create Goddess Durga, a fierce and powerful deity equipped with weapons and riding a lion.
  • Battle: Durga engages in a fierce battle with Mahishasura and his army, which lasts for nine days and nights.

3. Victory:

  • Defeating Mahishasura: On the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami, Durga slays Mahishasura, restoring peace and order. This day symbolizes the victory of the divine feminine power over demonic forces.

Symbolism and Celebration

1. Victory of Good Over Evil:

  • Moral Lessons: Dussehra symbolizes the triumph of righteousness, truth, and virtue over falsehood and evil. It reminds people of the importance of dharma (duty) and moral values.

2. Cultural Celebrations:

  • Ramlila: In North India, the story of Rama’s victory over Ravana is enacted in the form of Ramlila, a dramatic performance that culminates in the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna.
  • Durga Puja: In West Bengal and other parts of India, Dussehra coincides with the conclusion of Durga Puja, where elaborate rituals and festivities honor the goddess Durga.
  • Effigy Burning: The burning of Ravana’s effigy is a common practice, symbolizing the destruction of evil and the purification of society.

Celebrations Across India

Dussehra is celebrated in diverse ways across different states in India, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the country:

  • North India:
    • In states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab, effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran are burnt in public gatherings, symbolizing the destruction of evil. The Ram Lila, a dramatic reenactment of the life of Lord Rama, is performed with much fanfare.
  • South India
    • In Maharashtra, People exchange Apta leaves, symbolizing gold, and seek the blessings of elders. The festival is marked by vibrant processions and cultural events.
    • In Mysore, Dussehra is celebrated with grandeur, featuring a royal procession known as Jamboo Savari, which includes decorated elephants, horses, and cultural performances.
    • In Tamil Nadu, Known as Golu, families display intricate arrangements of dolls depicting various deities, scenes from mythology, and social themes. People visit each other’s homes to view these displays.

Dussehra in West Bengal

1. Pandals and Idols:

  • Elaborate Structures: Temporary, intricately designed structures called pandals are set up to house the idols of Goddess Durga.
  • Artistic Idols: These pandals showcase beautifully crafted idols of Durga, along with her children—Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya.

2. Cultural Programs:

  • Traditional Performances: The festival features various cultural activities, including music, dance, and theatrical performances, highlighting Bengal’s rich artistic heritage.
  • Community Events: Local communities organize competitions and cultural shows, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.

3. Festive Cuisine:

  • Bhog: Special offerings, including khichuri (a rice and lentil dish), labra (mixed vegetable curry), and a variety of sweets like sandesh and rasgulla, are prepared and distributed among devotees.
  • Street Food: Food stalls around pandals serve popular Bengali street food, adding to the festive atmosphere.

 4. Sindoor Khela:

  • Married Women’s Ritual: On the last day of Durga Puja, known as Vijaya Dashami, married women smear sindoor (vermillion powder) on each other and the idol of Durga, wishing for marital bliss and prosperity.

5. Immersion Procession:

  • Visarjan: The festival culminates with the immersion (visarjan) of Durga idols in rivers or lakes. Grand processions, accompanied by music and dance, mark this event.
  • Symbolism: The immersion signifies the goddess’s return to her heavenly abode and the cyclical nature of life and death.

6. Spiritual Significance:

  • Victory of Good over Evil: The festival celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
  • Cultural Integration: Durga Puja in West Bengal is not just a religious event but also a cultural phenomenon, blending spirituality with cultural expressions.

Dussehra in Gujarat

Navratri and Dussehra Celebrations

1. Navratri Festival:

  • Nine Nights of Dance and Music: Navratri, the nine-night festival leading up to Dussehra, is the most vibrant celebration in Gujarat. It features Garba and Dandiya Raas dances, performed in communities and public venues.
  • Traditional Attire: Participants wear colorful traditional clothing; women don chaniya cholis and men wear kediyus, enhancing the festive spirit.

2. Garba and Dandiya Raas:

  • Garba: A devotional dance performed in concentric circles around an idol or image of Goddess Durga.
  • Dandiya Raas: A lively dance form involving pairs striking wooden sticks (dandiyas) together in rhythm with the music.

3. Fairs and Competitions:

  • Cultural Events: Various fairs and cultural competitions are held during Navratri and Dussehra, showcasing traditional arts, crafts, and performances.
  • Sports and Games: Traditional sports like wrestling and archery competitions are organized, reflecting the state’s cultural heritage.

4. Temple Visits:

  • Devotional Practices: Devotees visit temples to offer prayers and participate in special rituals and aartis dedicated to Goddess Durga.
  • Bhajans and Kirtans: Devotional songs and hymns are sung in praise of the goddess, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.

5. Festive Cuisine:

  • Traditional Foods: Special dishes like fafda, jalebi, and a variety of farsans (snacks) are prepared and enjoyed during the festival.
  • Feasting: Community feasts are organized, where people gather to share and enjoy traditional Gujarati cuisine.

Conclusion

Dussehra is a vibrant festival that not only celebrates the victory of good over evil but also brings people together through various cultural and religious activities. Whether through dramatic reenactments, dance, or the exchange of symbolic items, the festival’s essence of righteousness and the triumph of virtue is universally cherished.