Dussehra, or "Vijayadashmi" is an Indian festival which is celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil. It is celebrated during the months of September or October. According to Indian calendars, the day is observed during the months of "Ashwin" or "Kartik".
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| Dussehra in India |
History of Dussehra
According to Indian mythology, in the epic of Ramayana, about 1000 years back, Lord Rama, during his long and fierce battle with Rawana, a highly knowledgeable and skilled demon, killed Rawana on this day, and created a history. It is believed that no one had enough fighting skills and knowledge that even noble Gods of heaven feared to battle with him. He was a powerful demon king disturbing Priests or "Rishis". Lord Rama killed Rawana on this day, and ends the evil rule, establishing the era of "Satyug", or "The golden age". Lord Rama established peace in the world, and started coming back to his own country. It took him 21 days by foot to return to his palace, and therefore, Diwali-the festival of lights is celebrated 20 days, actually one day ago, symbolizing the homecoming of Lord. The palace was decorated with candles and lights like never before, and so people clean their homes and decorate them with lights to celebrate Diwali.
Dussehra Celebrations
In India, Dussehra is celebrated in various ways in different states in India. People celebrate Dussehra in different manners, although the excitement for the festival throughout the country remains the same. In various regions throughout India, the Dussehra is celebrated as follows:
1. Northern India
In Northern India, particularly Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh etc.. people organize "Ramlila", the play of Ramayana continuing for nine days, starting from first day of Navratri. In the tenth day, the occasion of Dussehra itself, a big fair is organized. The individuals acting as Rama and Sita pass through the croud. A giant mannequin of Rawana is often seen in the fairs, and Rama uses his bow to fire the giant mannequin.
2. Southern India
In south India, the celebrations range from worshiping Durga, fairs in temples and forts, feasts and display of colorful "Golu", an idol or Rama. In south India, Mysore has been a major celebration center of Dussehra/ Vijaya Dashmi.
3. East India
In Eastern India, Dussehra is known as "Bijoya Doshmi", the bengali translation of Vijaya Dashmi. Here, the tenth day of Durga Puja is marked by a great procession of carrying the idol of Durga to the rivers or oceans for a solemn goodbye to Durga. It is an emotional day for the people of north-east.
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