Dusshera Festival In English

Here is the story of Dussehra.

It is a day that marks an epic victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. The festival represents the victory of Lord Rama – an incarnation of god Vishnu, along with his loyal brother Lakshmana and the monkey god Hanuman – over Ravana, the 10-headed demon king of Lanka, who had kidnapped Rama’s wife Sita. Fighting a furious war for ten days, Lord Rama finally killed Ravana with his valour, his righteousness, and his dedication to dharma (duty) healed the earth relieving it from evil and returned Sita to his kingdom ushering in an era of righteousness. Dusshera is celebrated as a triumph of good over evil, truth over deception, virtue over sin. It's a lesson we won't easily forget: Maintain principles and fight against injustice.

The Importance Of Burning Ravan Effigy On Dusshera

The burning of the Ravana effigy during Dusshera has symbolic implications in Hindu mythology and the festival celebration. The Hindi epic Ramayana has a demon king, Ravana, who is the embodiment of evil, egotism and sin.

1. Triumph of Good over Evil: The burning of the effigy of Ravana with those of Meghnad and Kumbhakarna represents the victory of good over evil as described in the Ramayana.

2. The symbol of Virtue overcoming Evil: Ravana, the Rakshasa king, stands for vanity, negative and erring. The burning of his effigy represents destruction of evils and obstacles to maintain righteousness and peace.

3. Commemoration of Victory of Lord Rama: The tradition depicts victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, when truth, principles and ethics triumphed over raving wickedness.

4. Clearing obstacles and negativity: It is believed that burning the Ravana effigy cleanses the environment and removes negative forces, paving the way for positivity and prosperity.

5. Cultural Celebration: It's a group festival, wielding peace and equality as people from all walks of life come together in a sense of unity and festivity, watching evil suffer death throes.

6. A Source of Inspiration To Lead a Virtuous Life: The ritual is a reminder for people to tread the path of righteousness, truth and good conduct, and inspires them to resist evil and adhere to the good.

7. Festive Vibes: Firecrackers and other fireworks, music, cultural events and celebrations make it one of the most exuberant and joyous spectacles.

8. Symbolises Moral Values: The Ravana murti dahan symbolizes moral values and teachings that will make people lead a virtuous life and walk on the path of righteousness.

How Is Dusshera Celebrated In Different Parts Of India

Dusshera celebrations are held throughout India with varying customs, traditions, and local events. These are some of the ways that Dusshera is celebrated in different parts of the country:

Northern India:

1. Ramlila Performances: The reenactment of extracts taken from the Ramayana, called Ramlila, is an integral aspect of Dussehra celebrations in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana.

2. Ravana Dahan: Huge effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad set afire with an arrow with the intention of symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

3. Processions and Fairs: These usually take place in many cities and towns where colourfully adorned idols of deities are paraded through streets accompanied by cultural performances and fairs.

Southern India:

4. Bommai Kolu/Golu: In states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, families set up stepped displays of dolls and figurines that symbolize gods, goddesses and other mythological figures.

5. Saraswati Puja: In some of the regions Dussehra is celebrated as a day of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, and Saraswati Puja is performed by keeping the books, tools and other instruments in front of the goddess and offering prayers.

Eastern India:

6. Maha Navami: The ninth day of Navaratri is widely celebrated in the state of West Bengal, India, and is known as Maha Navami which marks the end of Durga Puja. Elaborate pandals (temporary structures) are erected and processions are taken out to immerse the idols of Durga in rivers.

7. Durga Puja: Participants gather to celebrate the festival with decorations, cultural events and public worship of Goddess Durga.

Western India:

8. Ghatasthapana: In Gujarat and other western states, Dussehra kicks off with Ghatasthapana, the setting up of a pot representing the goddess. It is also the commencement of Navaratri.

9. Garba and Dandiya Raas: Folk dances, such as Garba and Dandiya Raas, form a major highlight of the nine-day festival of Navaratri that include colourful performances on Dussehra night.

Central India:

10. Ravana Dahan: In states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad are burnt along with cultural programs and fairs.

11. Processions: Colorful processions are held in many cities and towns, which show scenes from the life or Rama.

Dussehra is celebrated across different regions of India, displaying a wide variety of culture-specific practices, rituals, and festivities, held to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

Dussehra Puja

Dussehra Puja, or Vijayadashami Puja, is an important tradition observed on the day of Dussehra, the concluding day of the Navaratri festival. The fashion of puja differs in different parts of India but the common practise is to worship the multiple gods of our religion and celebrate the triumph of good over the evil.

Following is a quick run-down about the rituals that are observed in Dussehra Puja:

1. Puja Preparations: Families preparing their homes by cleaning and decorating them as well as a special place, rope off a sacred area, or area where the puja will be held. On the altar, are kept idols or images of gods and goddesses, Mainly image of Lord Rama along with other gods and goddesses etc.

2. Puja and Rituals: Puja starts with prayer, spiritual and singing lamp lighting. Items like flowers, fruits, sweets and a whole coconut are also offered to the various deities as a mark of respect.

3. Mantras & Bhajans: Devotional songs (bhajans) are sung and mantras are recited in praise of the Divine, for blessings and in gratitude.

4. Story-telling: The story of Ramayana is often told through narration or reading close to the festival, which emphasizes the importance of Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, and good's victory over evil.

5. Burning Effigies: In some areas, especially north India, the puja is concluded by burning effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad (indicated by the use of firecrackers) in wide open fields or in the roads and lanes.

6. Sharing Special Meals: The joyous feeling of the festival is taken all the way down to the dinner table where friends and families feast together with some of the best sweets and dishes.

7. Cultural Events: In some places, cultural programmes, folk dances and dramas based on the episodes from the Ramayana or some other mythological story are arranged in several areas as part of the celebration of the festival.

Dussehra Puja is a way to seek blessings, thank God, and celebrate the victory of morality and belief. It's a great event that creates camaraderie, devotion and celebration between people from diverse backgrounds.