Excitement is at an all-time high this time of year. Festivals are scheduled one after another, and planning has already begun. Typically, the Navratri festival kicks off in October, and the festival of Dussehra follows. One of the most significant Hindu festivals is Dussehra. It’s a lucky day as it represents the triumph of good over evil. Dussehra is more than just decorations, fireworks, and festive fare! It’s a celebration that is grandly observed throughout the nation but in various startling ways.
What is the Dussehra Celebration all about?
Like most Indian holidays, Dussehra has roots in Hindu mythology and epics. It honours the occasion when Goddess Durga killed and conquered the powerful buffalo demon Mahishasura after a fierce struggle that lasted nine days. As a result, it also symbolises the conclusion of the Durga Puja and Navratri holidays.
However, the event is celebrated as Dussehra, Dashahara, or Dasara in various other areas. On this day, Lord Rama, who had killed Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka who had abducted Rama’s wife Sita, is remembered. The conclusion of the Ram Leela celebrations is also marked by this day. The triumph of good over evil is a recurring theme in these festival-related sagas. This highlights the true meaning of Dussehra.
Why is the Dussehra festival celebrated?
The holiday of Dussehra celebrates the victory of good and love over evil and hatred.
This straightforward idea spreads religion and fosters humanity everywhere. Legend has it that the demon Ravana abducted Goddess Sita and brought her to his palace. Sita was compelled to live in exile from her husband, Lord Rama, throughout this time. He was doing it to travel great distances to find her wife.
Lakshman, his brother, and Hanuman helped Lord Rama navigate the Indian Ocean to Ravana’s Lanka (palace). To unite the cherished souls, Lord Hanuman had an army of monkeys. There were bloody battles taking place all along the path. Finally, Lord Rama released his beloved Sita from her bonds.
The festival known as Dussehra is used to remember this occasion. Every other religion in the world, not just Hinduism, supports and encourages the principle of living in peace, love, community, bravery, and purity, all of which are depicted in the Ramayana.
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How is the festival celebrated?
During the Dussehra festival, there is an upsurge of energy and vibrancy in the streets of India. Dussehra is observed in Dashmi (the tenth day) and is followed by a second nine-day Hindu celebration honouring various manifestations of a Devi (Goddess). And the atmosphere of celebration permeates every day. Carnivals and fairs are held all over the nation during these ten days, and children and adults enjoy them.
People of all ages celebrate Dussehra with great zeal and enthusiasm to commemorate the triumph of good over evil. Even though this holiday is observed throughout India, each state has its meaning and way of commemorating the victory of good Lord Rama over evil Ravana.
Processions: During Dusshera celebrations throughout India, huge processions are used to transport the idols of Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Lord Ganesh, and Kartik to a river where they are submerged. Following these processions are music, dancing, singing, and celebration.
Ram Leela: People across the nation perform the Ramayana at Ram Leela. These kinds of musicals are where adults and children dress up as various Ramayana characters and act out the scenarios. The drama lasts nine days and ends with Ravana being slain on the day of Dussehra.
Ravan Dahan: In several parts of India, enormous models are burned on the day of the Dussehra festival. These models depict Kumbhkarana, Meghnad, and the fiend Ravana, who is said to have ten heads. The models are constructed from bamboo, paper, cloth, and other materials and are filled with crackers. The image of Ravan and his brothers being consumed by flames symbolises the purging of evil from society and people’s hearts.
What is the importance of the Dussehra festival celebration?
Devotees in the eastern states worship the nine forms of the goddess Durga over the nine days leading up to Dussehra or Durga Puja. These nine manifestations of Goddess Durga each represent one of her nine faces. While Maa Kushmanda is considered the source of all energy in the universe, Maa Bramhacharini is revered as a representation of harmony and purity. People frequently pray for a fresh start in their life and ask for forgiveness for past transgressions. If you are eager to know more about the significance of the Dussehra celebration and want to know the exact procedure, then Nakshatrika is the best place to look at. With India’s best astrologers, Nakshatrika has gained immense popularity in solving the problems of humankind by giving them ultimate solutions. Also, Nakshatrika provides online darshan and online puja services for its clients. If you want a live darshan of Goddess temples, then Nakshatrika will help you provide that.
