Importance:
The good ones are always destined to victory while the evils are always meeting a dreadful and fatal end”- That’s all what this dynamic, lively and buzzy festival of Dussehra conveys to us. If we commit good deeds we will be blessed like Lord Rama but if we adopt an evil path we would always be cursed like the demon Ravana. Talking of the texts from the mythology Dussehra is a very awakening rather alerting festival celebrated in the month of late September or October three weeks prior to Diwali and it marks the victory of Rama over Ravana when the latter meets his end on the edge of sword of Rama in Lanka.
Why is it celebrated?
The mythology says that Sita, Rama’s wife was kidnapped by Ravana and taken away to Lanka. After a long and arduous struggle; forming of the ‘vanara sena’ with Hanuman leading the task of rescue Rama finally succeeds in rescuing Sita from the trap of Ravana. Ravana meets his end along with his brother Kumbhkarana and son Meghnaad. From that day onwards Rama’s victory is observed and celebrated in the form of Dussehra.
Dussehra is also celebrated for commemorating the victory of Durga over the demon Mahisasura.
How is it celebrated?
Dussehra has its own significance. It is the tenth day of Navratri and the “ram-lila” begins nine days prior to it. “Ram- lila” is an effective way to make people remember their mythology. All the episodes, scenes of the Ramayana are enacted by the actors on stage with all the wars being dramatized. Finally the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarana, and Meghnaad are burnt on the day of Vijaydashmi- The day of victory. Burning fuming effigies of these characters are accompanied by a shout of praise in the name of Rama and everyone is again realized about the consequences of evil deeds. Thus with the message of dussehra and after enjoying the fair people flock back to their homes.
Where is it celebrated?
The festival is one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrated with ardour all across India, especially in North India.
When is it celebrated?
Dusehra is celebrated after the 9 days of Navratri, in the month of September or October.