The festival of Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour all over the country. It is one of the Indian festivals. It is also known as Vijayadashami. When the nine days of Navratri are completed, then Dussehra is celebrated on Dashami. On this festival, the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are burnt to symbolize the victory of good over evil. Along with this, fireworks are also done. On this occasion, Bengalis celebrate Bijoy Dashami which marks the tenth day of Durga Puja. In this procession, the idols of the goddess are taken out and immersed in the river. Married women greet each other by applying vermilion on each other’s faces.

History of Dussehra

Dussehra is a major festival of Hindus. According to Vedic astrology, It is organized on the tenth day of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month. On this day Lord Rama killed Ravana. On the other hand, Goddess Durga had conquered Mahishasura after nine nights and ten days of the war. It is celebrated as good over evil, hence it is known as ‘Vijayadashami’. Dussehra falls on the three most auspicious dates of the year. Dashami of Shukla Paksha, Pratipada of Chaitra Shukla and Kartik Shukla.

On this day people worship weapons and start new work. It is believed that whatever work is started on this day always leads to victory. In ancient times, the Maharaja used to leave for the battle on this day by praying for victory. Fairs are organized at different places. Ramlila is organized. Huge effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are made and burnt. Vijayadashami is celebrated as Lord Rama and Durga Puja as it is a festival of Shakti-worship in both forms.

Indian culture has always worshipped valour and bravery. In many places, the festival is celebrated in honour of Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts. On the tenth day, when the idol of Maa Durga is immersed in water! It is considered a symbol of returning to Mount Kailash with Lord Shiva. This festival gives the inspiration to give up ten types of sins – lust, anger, greed, attachment, matsara, ego, laziness, violence and theft.

Stories Related to Dussehra Festival

• Rama’s victory over Ravana
• Durga Mata’s victory over the demon Mahisasur
• Pandavas’ exile
• Divine Sati’s drowning in the fire

Know The Effects and Celebration of Dussehra in India 

Dussehra also has a cultural aspect. India is an agricultural country. When a farmer grows a golden crop in his field and brings home the wealth that comes from it! So his gaiety and ecstasy can’t stop. On this happy occasion, he prays to God to keep his mercy-vision. It is customary to celebrate this festival in different ways all over India. Social festivals come in many places. Fairs are held in many places. There is a crowd of devotees at temples and religious places.

Changing Form of Dussehra in today’s era

In today’s time, festivals are taking a modern form by moving away from their reality, which has reduced its importance. Few examples are –

• It was customary to visit each other’s house on Dussehra. Now mobile calls and internet messages took their form.
• Never left empty-handed. So Shami used to carry letters. But now instead, sweets and gifts are being taken. This made the festival extravagant and competitive.
• The legend behind Ravana Dahan was remembered so that everyone should get a message that ego always destroys. But now different types of firecrackers are bursting. Due to which unnecessary expenses have increased. The problem of pollution is increasing due to fireworks and accidents are also increasing.

Due to this modernization, the form of festivals is changing. Due to which common citizens are getting away from them. Humans have spoiled their form. According to the Puranas, the form of all these festivals used to be very simple. He had no pretence but faith and true faith in God. Today humans have started seeing them as a waste of time and money.

Final Words

All of us should understand this reality and celebrate festivals with simplicity. Festivals also play a special role in maintaining the economic system of the country. That’s why we should celebrate all festivals.