Dussehra | The Victory of Good Over Evil – Traditions, Celebrations, and Significance

Dussehra or Vijayadashmi is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, signifying the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the Hindu month of Ashwin (September - October) after the vibrant festival of Navratri. 

However, what majorly highlights the significance of Dussehra is its deeply-rooted symbolism in Hindu mythology. Some perceive it as the celebration of Lord Rama’s win over the demon Ravana while others see it as the victory of Durga Mata over Mahishasura, the buffalo-headed demon. Although every region has its own set of beliefs, the one thing that remains intact in all the traditions is the idea that Truth always prevails!

In today’s blog, we will learn more about the Dussehra festival and the traditions followed around it across India. 

Legend Associated with the Dussehra Festival

The festival of Dussehra has two legendary tales associated with it both of which are explained below:

The defeat of Mahishasura, the Buffalo-headed Demon: In another legend, there was a brutal demon named Mahishasura who created havoc in Trilok. No one was able to kill him due to the special boon he received from Lord Brahma which indicated that no man or animal would be able to kill him, but a woman would be the cause of his downfall. Hence, when everything went out of control, the gods reached out to Maa Parvati who stepped onto the battlefield in her powerful Chamundeshwari avatar. She fought the demon for nine consecutive days and finally put him to death on the 10th day, which is celebrated as Dussehra.

When is Dussehra 2024?

In 2024, Dussehra will be celebrated on 12th October, Saturday. Here are the important dates and timings for the festival:

Dussehra Celebrations Across India 

Here’s a glimpse at how Dussehra festival is celebrated in different parts of India:

• Ramlila and Ravana Dahan in North India

In North Indian cities like Delhi, Varanasi, and Ayodhya, the incidents of Ramayana are reenacted, which is known as Ramleela. The entire act of play culminates on the day of Dussehra whereupon huge effigies of Ravana and his brother Meghnath and Kumbhkaran are burnt, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. 

• Durga Puja & Vijayadashmi in West Bengal

In the state of West Bengal, Dussehra coincides with Vijayadashmi, which is the last day of the 5-day festival of Durga Puja. The day is marked by large, vibrant processions and the immersion of huge Durga idols, signifying the return of the goddess to her heavenly abode.   

• Mysore Dasara in Karnataka 

Dussehra celebrations in Mysore, Karnataka have a whole vibe. The day is marked by grand processions and many lively cultural events. During this time, you’ll also find the famous Mysore Palace illuminated with beautiful decorations, attracting visitors from all across the nation.

• Kullu Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh

Kullu Dussehra is a 7-day celebration in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. The festival is mainly associated with Raja Jagat Singh, the 16th-century ruler of the Kullu kingdom. It is said that back in the time, he brought a statue of Lord Rama (Raghunath) to Kullu from Ayodhya and with that began the tradition of Kullu Dussehra. In the present time, Kullu Dussehra is celebrated as an international festival marking the arrival of Maa Hadimba from Manali and other gods and goddesses from different regions of Himachal.

Also Read : Who is Goddess Siddhidatri and Her Importance on the Final Day of Navratri

Famous Dussehra Traditions & Rituals

Every culture and region has some specific rituals and traditions associated with Dussehra. Here are some of the most common ones being practiced: 

• Ayudha Puja

Ayudha Puja is a unique tradition, especially popular in the Southern states of India. On Dussehra people clean and worship their tools, vehicles, weapons, and books to honor their work or profession and seek blessings from the almighty. The items are worshiped by placing a diya and offering flowers, and fruits, and applying Kumkum (vermilion).

• Shami Tree Puja

According to a legend, during the time of Mahabharata, the Pandavas hid their weapons in a Shami tree during their exile period. It is believed that it was on the day of Dussehra that they retrieved their weapons to fight their opponents. Ever since then, worshiping the Shami tree on Dussehra is considered auspicious.  

• Burning Effigies

This has been an age-old tradition followed on Dussehra. On a large open ground, huge effigies of Ravana and his two brothers, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran are set up. Hereafter, a person dressed up as Lord Ram is directed to shoot an arrow of fire towards the effigies to put them on the blaze, hence signifying Lord Rama's victory over Ravana.  

• Durga Visarjan

In West Bengal, the Dussehra festival culminates with the immersion of Goddess Durga idols in rivers and ponds. It is altogether a beautiful yet emotional ceremony that signifies the return of the goddess to her heavenly abode.

Also Read : The Legend and Significance of Goddess Mahagauri

Takeaway

The festival of Dussehra reminds us of the fact that regardless of how formidable the evil may come off as truth and righteousness will always prevail. It is a beautiful time that brings people from all regions and communities together celebrating as one. So, this Dussehra, let's take a moment to reflect upon the evils that reside within us and work towards eradicating them for the better. 

Happy Dussehra!