In the months of Ashwin and Kartik, Hindus observe a 10 day ceremony of fast, rituals and celebrations to honor the triumph of Lord Rama over Demon Ravana. Dussehra also symbolizes the triumph of warrior Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. Thus, it is a celebration of victory of good over evil.
This celebration starts from Navratri and ends with the tenth day festival of “Dussehra”. Navratri and Dussehra is celebrated throughout the country at the same time, with varying rituals, but with great enthusiasm and energy as it marks the end of scorching summer and the start of winter season.
The tenth day after Navratri is called Dussehra, on which number of fairs are organized throughout northern India, burning effigies of Ravana. It is also called “Vijaya Dashami” or "Vijayadasami" as this day marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Vijaya Dashami is considered to be an auspicious day for the Indian householder, on which he worships, protects and preserves Shakti (power). According to Scriptures, by worshiping the Shakti on these nine-days the householders attain the threefold power i.e. physical, mental and spiritual, which helps him to progress in life without any difficulty.
The theatrical enactment of this dramatic encounter is held throughout the country in which every section of people participates enthusiastically.
In burning the effigies the people are asked to burn the evil within them, and thus follow the path of truth and goodness, bearing in mind the instance of Ravana, who despite all his might and majesty was destroyed for his evil ways.
When is Dussehra celebrated?
Dussehra is the last day of Navratri; it falls on the 10th day of the waxing moon during the Hindu month of Ashvin (around September or October).Dussehra Puja
Dussehra Puja is an eminent part the Vijayadashami celebrations on the 10th day of Navratri. Besides celebrating Lord Ram s triumph over the demon King Ravan of Lanka by burning effigies of Ravan, some certain rituals and customs need to be observed while performing a Dussehra puja. Click here to know more about the puja preparations and process for Dussehra
Click Here to learn about the different traditions and rituals observed all around India during Dussehra
Significance
Dussehra symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The festival has different mythological significance in various regions of India:
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Victory of Lord Rama over Ravana: In northern India, Dussehra commemorates the victory of Lord Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, over the demon king Ravana who had abducted Rama's wife Sita. The effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkaran, and his son Meghnad are burnt to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
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Victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura: In eastern India, particularly in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, Dussehra marks the culmination of the worship of Goddess Durga, who defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The last day of Durga Puja coincides with Dussehra.
Dussehra Legends
Dussehra Celebrations
Ramlila is a unique feature during Dussehra Celebration where stories from the Ramayana, especially the war between Lord Ram and Ravan are re-enacted in plays and skits. Click here to read about Ramlila on Dussehra.
Celebrations
The manner of celebrating Dussehra varies widely across India:
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North India: Large fairs are held, and Ram Lila, a dramatic reenactment of the life of Lord Rama, is performed. The burning of huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran is the highlight of the day.
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West Bengal: In Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal, Durga Puja culminates with the immersion of beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga in rivers or other bodies of water. Cultural programs, music, and dance performances are integral to the celebrations.
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Mysore: In the southern state of Karnataka, particularly in Mysore, Dussehra is celebrated with great grandeur. The Mysore Palace is illuminated, and a grand procession featuring decorated elephants, musicians, and dancers takes place.
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Maharashtra: People exchange leaves of the Apta tree as a symbol of gold, wishing each other prosperity and happiness. The day is also marked by traditional dance and music.
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Gujarat: The celebrations include Garba and Dandiya Raas, traditional dances that continue late into the night.
Dussehra Mela (Fairs)
Mela or fairs are a major highlight of Dussehra festivities. Fairs are organized in cities where stalls are set up for shopping and joy-rides and other activities for kids are organized, and the streets are bustling with people gathered to see huge effigies of Ravan burn. Kota Mela and Mysore Dasara Fair are some of the famous fairs on Dussehra.
Click on the links to learn about the specialty of the Kota Dussehra Fair and the Mysore Dasara Fair.
दशहरा और रावण दहन के बारे में हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिये यहां क्लिक करें