The Story of Dussehra: Celebrating the Triumph of Good Over Evil

Dussehra or Vijayadashmi are annual celebrations at the end of Navratri that represent the triumph of good over evil. This year's festival occurs on October 12, 2024. 

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Stories of Dussehra
a. Lord Rama's Victory Over Ravana
b. Goddess Durga's Defeat of Mahishasura
3. Bengali’s Dussehra- Bijoya
4. Traditions and celebrations
a. Effigies and Fireworks
b. Vijayadashami and its regional variations
c. Cultural Festivities
5. Conclusion 

Introduction

Dussehra is a ten-day Hindu celebration held at the end of Navratri each year. This year's Dussehra will be held on Saturday, October 12,, 2024. Dussehra is observed on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashvin, which corresponds to September or October on the Gregorian calendar. Dussehra is one of India's main holidays, observed across the country. Dussehra, or Dussehra, is celebrated to commemorate Lord Rama's victory over the demon Ravana, which represents the triumph of good over evil.

On Dussehra, gigantic effigies of Ravana are burned with fireworks to signify the defeat of darkness by light. Dussehra also marks the beginning of the next major festival, Diwali (the festival of lights), which is celebrated with tremendous fanfare throughout India. Diwali is celebrated twenty days after Dussehra and commemorates Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman's return to Ayodhya after defeating the monster Ravana. The word 'Dussehra' refers to the celebration itself. The word is derived from the words Dus and Ahara. 'Dus' means ten, and 'Ahara' means day, therefore the tenth day. Another interpretation stems from the mythology of the event, where 'Dus' represents the 10 heads of Ravana or bad or evil, and 'hara' means to defeat or remove.

Stories of Dussehra

Lord Rama's Victory Over Ravana

Dussehra is celebrated in northern and western India in commemoration of Lord Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Theatre troupes conduct plays based on the Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas known as Ramlila at outdoor fairs.
Dussehra is also known as Vijayadashami, and it commemorates the death of the demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga on the tenth day of Navratri. The story behind the celebration of Dussehra is tied to Lord Rama. According to Hindu scriptures, Ravana was the demon king of Lanka, a country in southern India, who coveted Lord Rama's wife Sita. Ravana kidnapped Sita and carried her to his realm, Lanka, where he kept her captive.
Lord Rama marched to Lanka with a monkey army and, with the help of his brother Lakshman and Lord Hanuman, defeated Ravana on the ninth day of the war. The first nine days are celebrated as Navratri, and on the tenth day, when Ravana is killed, Dussehra is celebrated. The Navratri event concludes with the burning of enormous effigies of the demon Ravana. The slaying of Ravana represents the triumph of virtue over evil. 

Goddess Durga's Defeat of Mahishasura

The story of the celebration Vijayadashmi, which is tied to Goddess Durga. In another scriptures found in India's eastern and northern provinces, Goddess Durga destroys the monster Mahishasura to restore peace to the world. The Navratri festival is celebrated because the struggle between the Goddess and the demon spans ten days. The Goddess Durga kills Mahishasura on the tenth day, and the day is celebrated as Vijayadashmi, which means 'success that was gained on the tenth day'. Each of the previous nine days of Vijayadashami is dedicated to a distinct strong incarnation of Goddess Durga, and residents in the region's north and west fast while adoring the Goddess in her nine manifestations. The eastern and north-eastern regions of India do not fast during Durga Puja since it is a festive time for them, and they enjoy the event with much pomp and fervour. Goddess Durga is worshipped for five days throughout the eastern and northeastern areas of the nation. On the tenth day, the statue is submerged in bodies of water, symbolising the end of the festivities. 

Bengali’s Dussehra- Bijoya

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami or Bijoya (as the Bengalis call it), is one of India's most popular and widely celebrated festivals. During the nine days of Navratri, people worship the Goddess by doing dandiya and garba. Dussehra and Vijayadashami both commemorate the triumph of good over evil and represent man's need to overcome fear, greed, and bad thinking in order to move forward with positive thoughts and actions.

Traditions and Celebrations

Effigies and Fireworks

One of the most striking features of Dussehra is the burning of giant effigies of Ravana, accompanied by fireworks. This act symbolizes the defeat of darkness by light, reinforcing the theme of good overcoming evil. In many regions, dramatic performances known as Ramlila are staged, depicting the life and battles of Lord Rama, captivating audiences of all ages.

Vijayadashami and Its Regional Variations

While Dussehra is celebrated with various customs across India, it is particularly significant in northern and western regions where the focus is on Lord Rama. In contrast, eastern states observe Durga Puja, where the emphasis is on Goddess Durga’s victory. During this festival, devotees worship the Goddess over five days, culminating in the immersion of her idols on the tenth day.

Cultural Festivities

Throughout the nine days of Navratri leading up to Dussehra, communities engage in vibrant activities such as dandiya and garba, celebrating the Goddess through music and dance. This festive spirit unites people, promoting joy and togetherness.

Conclusion

Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is more than just a festival; it is a reminder of the eternal struggle between good and evil. It encourages individuals to overcome their inner fears, greed, and negative thoughts, paving the way for positive actions and thoughts. As we celebrate Dussehra on October 12, 2024, let us embrace the spirit of victory, renewal, and hope for a better future.

Offer Puja at Hanuman garhi, Ayodhya on Dussehra through Utsav App

On 12 October, Vijay Dashmi or Dussehra, will be celebrated with great enthusiasm in the country, though in Ayodhya on a large scale, because this is the first Dussehra after the establishment of the Ram temple. In Ayodhya's Hanuman Garhi temple, the Utsav app is organising the "Dussehra vishesh sankat vinashak sunderkand Path". It is believed that with the efforts made here all the mental achievements are fulfilled and the obstacles in life are removed. On booking this special online puja through the Utsav app, your name, gotra and manokamna will be chanted during the puja. After the puja, you will also get a video of the puja via WhatsApp .So what are you waiting for? Book your puja today itself because only limited people can take part in the puja. UTSAV APP is the most favourite APP of India where millions of devotees have their puja booked and have received 100% AUTHENTIC PRASAD from the temple at their doorsteps.