Meaning of Dussehra
Also known as Dasha-Hara, Dassera and Durgotsav, this festival has its own unique significance. It is a holiday that symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The word “Dussehra” is composed of two Hindi words “dus” and “hara” where “dus” means ten and “hara” is destroyed. Therefore, if these two words are combined, ‘Dussehra’ means the day when the ten evil faces (faced by Ravana) were destroyed by Lord Rama. A festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil, Dussehra is one of the most notable Indian holidays. The tenth day of Navratri is celebrated. This festival is celebrated to commemorate Lord Rama’s victory over the demon Ravana. This sacred festival is considered to be the incarnation of Lord Rama, who is considered to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the Hindu trinity.
History of Dussehra
The Dussehra holiday traces its origins to the great Hindu epic Ramayana, which states that Lord Rama, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, killed the ten-headed Satan Ravana in Satyuga when Ravana kidnapped Lord Rama’s wife Sita. Lord Rama was accompanied by his brother Lakshmana and follower Hanuman with an army of monkeys who went all the way to Lanka (the kingdom of Ravana) to fight Ravana and bring back Sita. On his departure, Rama prayed to Durga to seek the blessings of the goddess of courage and strength. Lord Rama eventually killed Ravana and defeated evil. Vijayadashami or Dussehra is celebrated to celebrate this day.
Significance of Dussehra in Indian Culture
Understanding the “Importance of Dussehra” is key to recognizing its deep-rooted significance in Indian culture. Also known as Vijayadashami, Dussehra is more than just a festival; is the epitome of India’s rich cultural tapestry and millennia-old traditions. Deeply rooted in mythological stories and historical events, Dussehra signifies the eternal victory of good over evil. This auspicious day marks Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, an allegory that teaches us that justice, regardless of adversity, always prevails.
Across the length and breadth of India, Dussehra is celebrated with unparalleled fervour. The figures of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna are set on fire, symbolizing the extermination of malevolence by the radiant flame of virtue. In some regions, the day also commemorates the victory of the goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, strengthening the power of the divine feminine force. Moreover, Dussehra is not just about religious ceremonies; it’s a reminder.
Here’s how we celebrate Dussehra in different parts of India:
North India
In northern India, Dussehra means the victory of good over evil. The depiction of Lord Rama’s life in Ram Leela begins 10 days before the Dussehra festival. These are performed by many amateur and professional theater groups in the cities, villages and suburbs of North India. On the day of Dussehra, huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhakarna are lit at the Ram Leela Maidan amid a carnival atmosphere. Amid these celebrations, it is a tradition for many to give a Dussehra gift to honor the occasion and share the joy with loved ones.
South India
In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Dussehra celebrations begin nine days before Dussehra. In this area, these nine holy days are dedicated to the worship of the three main deities of Hinduism. Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped on the first three days as she is said to be the best of wealth and prosperity, while Saraswati is prayed for the next three days, which is called the dualism of knowledge and art. The last three days are devoted to the reverence of the Mother Goddess, known as Shakti, Durga.
East India
Dussehra is celebrated as the victory of Goddess Durga over the cruel and powerful Satan named Mahishasura, who became so powerful that he conquered heaven and earth. It is believed that after a long struggle of nine days, the powerful goddess subdued and killed her; Hence this day is celebrated as Vijayadashami. On this day, huge idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in rivers and oceans with great respect and are looked upon with grandeur. In Odisha, this festival is known as Vijoja Dashami. This day is celebrated as the culmination of Sharadiya Durga Puja.
West India
In Maharashtra, Dussehra festival is associated with various interesting legends apart from Lord Rama. On the day of Dussehra, the flour tree is worshiped and its leaves are gifted to near and dear ones, with Dussehra sweet gifts and sweets being considered as good omens. It is also believed that it was on this day that the Pandavas of the Mahabharata, after completing 12 years of exile, retrieved their weapons from under the Shami tree where they kept them for safekeeping. Nine days before Dussehra is celebrated here as Navratri. Idols of the goddess installed on the first day of Navratri are immersed in water on Dussehra. Thus, the festival of Dussehra has a multi-faceted significance in different regions of the multicultural country of India.
