History and Significance of Dussehra Festival
While Dussehra Festival is called by various names across India-Â Druga Puja or Vijayadashami in the East and North-east, Dussehra in Northern and Western states- the pith of the celebration continues as before for example the Dharma (great) beating Dharma (evil). Durga Puja or Vijayadashmi observes Maa Durga’s triumph over the evil presence of Mahishasura to safeguard dharma. Though, the story behind Dussehra implies Ruler Rama’s triumph over Ravana. The day likewise denotes the finish of Smash lila- – a brief retelling of Rama, Sita, and Laxman’s story. On Dussehra, transcending representations of devil Ruler Ravana, Kumbhakaran, and Meghanad (emblematic of insidiousness) are torched with firecrackers accordingly reminding spectators that regardless of anything else, great generally prevails upon Evil.
It was around the same time that Arjun demolished the Kuru tribe, including extraordinary heroes like Bhisma, Drona, Karna, and Ashwathama, on his own in the clash of Kurukshetra in the Hindu amazing Mahabharata.
Dussehra Celebration
There are numerous fanciful stories behind this celebration. In certain pieces of India, the day denotes the day Goddess Durga killed the evil spirit Mahishasura. That is the reason every one of the nine manifestations of Maa Durga is loved in Navratri. It is likewise said that Goddess Durga is submerged in the water alongside the enthusiasts which represents the takeoff of Goddess Durga from the material world after maintaining the Dharma.
In South India, the Dussehra celebration is essentially celebrated in Mysore, Karnataka as the day when Chamundeshwari, one more manifestation of Goddess Durga, killed the evil presence of Mahishasura. Do you have at least some idea that the entire city is illuminated with brilliant lights and perfectly embellished? Truth be told, a motorcade of elephants conveying the parade of Goddess Chamundeshwari was likewise taken out all around the city.
Mythological stories of Dussehra Festival
In North India, Dussehra is praised as the day when Ruler Rama killed the evil presence of lord Ravana in Lanka. As indicated by Hindu folklore, it is said that Ravana stole Sita, the spouse of Ruler Rama. Ravana had additionally gotten the shelter of being undying from Master Brahma. Ruler Rama is viewed as the seventh manifestation of Master Vishnu and in war; Master Rama killed Ravana by shooting a bolt in his stomach. For that reason, the Dussehra celebration is commended as the triumph of good over evil.
How do we celebrate Dushera
Lord Rama is worshiped on the 10th day i.e. on Dussehra after fasting for 9 days of Sharadiya Navratri and the festival of Dussehra is celebrated with pomp. In Hinduism, Vijayadashami is celebrated as a symbol of the victory of good over evil. It is believed that Lord Rama killed Ravana on this day. Since then, people celebrate Dussehra every year on the tenth day of the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month. On this day, the festival of Dussehra is celebrated by burning the effigy of Ravana. This year Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 24 and effigies of Ravana will be burnt at various places across the country on this day. Let us tell you what are the mythological beliefs behind celebrating this festival.
Why Dussehra Festival is celebrated
During the 14-year exile, when Lankapati Ravana kidnapped Mother Sita, Lord Rama sent Hanuman ji to search for Mother Sita. Hanuman ji succeeded in finding Mother Sita and he persuaded Ravana to send Mother Sita to Lord Shriram with respect. Ravana refused to obey Hanuman ji and invited his death. The day on which Maryada Purushottam Shriram killed Ravana was the tenth day of Sharadiya Navratri. Rama worshiped Maa Durga for 9 days and then won over Ravana on the 10th day, so this festival is celebrated as Vijayadashami. Shri Ram’s good won over Ravana’s evil deeds, so it is also celebrated as a festival of victory of good over evil. On this day, effigies of Ravana’s son Meghnad and his brother Kumbhakaran are also burnt.
Maa Durga killed Mahisasur
In mythological beliefs, another belief behind celebrating Vijayadashami is that on this day Maa Durga also killed a demon named Mahishasura by taking the form of Chandi. Due to the harassment of the gods by Mahishasura and his army, Maa Durga fought Mahishasura and his army for nine consecutive days and on the 10th day she succeeded in ending Mahishasura. That is why there is a tradition of celebrating Dussehra after Sharadiya Navratri. The idol of Maa Durga is also immersed on this day.
Regional Variations across the India
Here are three unique ways Dussehra is celebrated in India:
- Durga Puja in West Bengal: In West Bengal, Dussehra is celebrated as Durga Puja. It’s a grand festival that commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. People create elaborate idols of the goddess and worship them with great devotion and fanfare.
- Bathukamma Festival in Telangana: In Telangana, the Bathukamma Festival is celebrated during Dussehra. Participants create vibrant floral arrangements and offer them to Goddess Bathukamma. This festival is known for showcasing the region’s unique cultural traditions.
- Mysore Dasara in Karnataka: The Mysore Dasara is a grand and historically significant celebration. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of lights, and a grand procession featuring a beautifully decorated elephant is a highlight of the festivities.
Key Aspects of Dussehra Festival Celebrations
Dussehra is a festival that is deeply entrenched in tradition but still holds modern significance. Here are some important elements to consider during the celebrations:
- Contemporary Relevance: Dussehra has a contemporary relevance and meaning that resonates with today’s world.
- Symbol of Resilience: The festival of Dussehra represents resilience and hope. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity and challenges, good will always triumph over evil.
- Message of Peace: The burning of effigies during Dussehra is a symbolic representation of the impermanence of evil. It highlights the significance of peace and harmony in society.
- Environmental Concerns: While effigy burning is a cherished part of the tradition, it has raised concerns about air pollution and waste generation. There are ongoing efforts to make the celebrations more eco-friendly.