Dusshera

Dussehra, also known as Navaratri, is one of the most important festivals in Hindu tradition, celebrated over nine days. It is an auspicious occasion that signifies the victory of good over evil.

Why is Dussehra Celebrated?

In India, with a diverse set of cultures and traditions, the festival of Dussehra is celebrated in different ways in different areas, based on different beliefs. The southern and eastern states of India celebrate Dussehra, as the memory of the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil demon Mahishasura. It starts on the first day of Navratri and continues for nine days.

And also, most northern and western states of India celebrate Dussehra as Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the win of good over evil. 

How is it celebrated? 

It is celebrated for over ten days. The first nine days of Navratri are dedicated to different forms of Goddess Durga. And the tenth day, which is the day of Durga Puja or, Dussehra is considered the important one by devotees. People make and carry clay statues of gods like Devi Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, and move towards clay or ocean as groups, accompanied by music and chants. Then, the statues are submerged in the water for dissolution as a farewell. It is believed that after the immersion, Goddess Durga returns to Mount Kailash and reunites with Lord Shiva.

In some other parts, towering effigies of Ravana are burnt with fireworks, symbolizing the destruction of evil with good, dark with light.  The festival also kickstarts the next big celebration; Diwali, the festival of lights, which is celebrated twenty days after Vijayadashami.

The Dussehra celebration takes place on the tenth day of Navratri,  known as Durga Puja. The first day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of goddess Maa Shailaputri and is followed by worship of Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Skandmata, and the other avatars of Goddess Durga.

In the northern, western, and central parts of India, on the occasion of Dussehra, people organize dance and drama skits, which are popular by the name Ram Leela, which is based on the Ramayana. These skits and plays are admired all over the world. It depicts the entire story of the kidnapping of Seeta, her rescue, and Lord Rama defeating evil king Ravana. 

On those nine days preceding Dussehra, devotees in the eastern states worship the nine avatars of Goddess Durga, and each of these nine forms represents a different side of Goddess Durga. Maa Brahmacharini is seen as a symbol of peace and purity, while Maa Kushmanda is believed to be the source of all energy in the Universe.

People also choose this time to buy new vehicles, properties, or other new things, as the day represents fresh starts and blessed beginnings. It is also considered the perfect day to start a new project or business.

People celebrate Dussehra with families and distribute gifts and sweets among their relatives and friends as they believe and love celebrating this festival with their close ones. People ask for forgiveness for their wrongdoings and pray for a fresh start and new beginnings. 

Dussehra celebration is an important part of Indian culture and people. The vibrant colors, the big idols, and the relatable themes are a major attraction of the celebration, and the hope of new starts is what makes it pure. It holds a very special and important place in the hearts of devotees. 

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