Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is a Hindu festival celebrated on the tenth day of Navaratri. Its historical and cultural importance is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and traditions.History: Vijayadashami commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, as narrated in the ancient Indian epic, Ramayana. According to the legend, Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and loyal companion Lakshmana, successfully defeated Ravana, who had kidnapped Sita. The day of Vijayadashami marks the triumph of good (dharma) over evil (adharma).
Dussehra is going to be celebrated on Dashami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwina as per Hindu Lunar Calendar. This year, it will be celebrated on October 24, 2023.
In Delhi, Ramleela is famous during the days of Navratri and and on the dashami tithi of Shukla Paksha, people burn the effigies of Ravan, meghnad and Kumbhakaran.
In Bastar, the festival of Dussehra is celebrated with great pomp and they worship the Goddess Danteshwari with great devotion.
In Kerala, Vidhyarambham day is celebrated when the small childrens introduced to education for the first time as they worship goodness, Saraswati .
Good Over Evil:
Vijayadashami symbolizes the eternal battle between righteousness and malevolence. It serves as a reminder that truth and virtue will always emerge victorious.
Goddess Durga’s Triumph:
For some, the festival also signifies the culmination of Navaratri, during which the Goddess Durga is worshipped in her various forms, each representing different facets of divine femininity. Vijayadashami marks the day when Goddess Durga defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
As for its importance Vijayadashami is celebrated with grandeur across India. In many regions, effigies of Ravana, Meghanada, and Kumbhakarna are burned in open fields to symbolize the victory of good over evil.
However, the festival also carries a tinge of nostalgia, as it marks the immersion of idols of Goddess Durga and her divine children — Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Saraswati, and Goddess Lakshmi. People exchange warm wishes of a Happy Dussehra or Shubho Bijoya, reflecting on the year that has passed and eagerly anticipating what the future holds.
Overall, Vijayadashami is a festival that holds immense cultural and spiritual significance, uniting people in the celebration of goodness, righteousness, and the ultimate triumph of light over darkness.
