Dussehra: Triumph of good over evil

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Dussehra festival marks the triumph of good over evil. It is also known as Vijayadashami, Dasahara, Dusshera, Dasara, Dussehra or Dashain. It is a major Hindu festival celebrated at the end of Navratri every year. Many states many names but the feeling and enthusiasm are the same across the country. There is a wave of joy and liveliness in the air in the streets of India during the festival of Dussehra. This is a ten-day festival based on a lunar date with many important days and also because it has many different names in the various regions on India, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October. Dussehra festival in India is also known as “Dashmi”, denoted by the word “Ten”. This day is followed by a nine-day festival, Navratri. During Navratri, nine forms of Devi / Shakti (Hindu Goddess) are worshipped all around the country, with slightly different rituals.

In the southern, eastern and northeastern states of India, Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja, remembering goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura to restore and protect dharma. In the northern and western states, the festival is synonymously called Dussehra. In these regions, it marks the end of "Ramlila" and remembers God Rama's victory over the Ravan. In southern India states, this festival is called Navaratri ('nine nights') and revolves around the worship of the goddesses Lakshmi and Sarasvati. Lakshmi is associated with good luck and wealth, and Sarasvati is linked with wisdom and fertility.

Also, there is a glorious history behind Dussehra. The festival traditionally represents the legend of Rama and Ravana. Ravana, the demon king, abducted the beloved Princess of India, Sita. A deadly battle takes place between Raam and Ravan in which Raam kills Ravan and ends the evil rule. Ravan has ten heads. The killing of the one who has ten heads is called Dusshera. Lord Rama rescued the Princess, proving victorious over the powerful and evil King Ravana. Thus this festival is celebrated reminding the victories of Good over Evil.

On the festival of Dussehra, in different parts of India, massive models are set on fire. These models are of the devil Ravana (believed to have ten heads) and his brothers. The models are stuffed with crackers and are made with bamboo, papers, cloth and other things. The sight of Ravan and his brothers getting caught by fire denotes the eradication of evil from the society and hearts of the people. Effigies of Ravana, Meghanad, and Kumbhakaran are set on fire in almost every neighbourhood in the city with crowds cheering enthusiastically.

Effigies in the making:

Ravana effigies are a source of livelihood for many craftsmen across the country. The work on the effigies begins months in advance.

These effigies are made up of bamboo, iron mesh, paper, clothes, crackers. It varies in size and shape, depending on the orders placed by customers.

In west Delhi, Titarpur Tagore Garden and Beriwala Bagh in Subhash Nagar are the well-known markets from where these effigies can be brought.

Twenty days following Dussehra, falls Deepavali festival; which holds major significance in the country. Visiting India, during October / November is a blessing for those who want to embrace Indian culture at its best.

Don't Miss:

• Traditional theatrical representation of the Ramayana with dramatic dialogues and fancy costumes, Ramlila at local places.

• Burning Ravana's effigy followed by amazing fireworks.