Fast Facts
Region : Celebrated all over India
Celebration Time : During September - October
Celebrated by : Hindus
Overview
Dussehra or Dussera is one of the main festivals of Hindus and celebrated
all over the country. The festival is known by another name Vijayadashmi,
which means victory on the tenth day. Hindus believe that on this day Lord
Rama killed the demon-king, Ravana and conquered his kingdom, Lanka. The
word Dussehra has been derived from the word 'Dus' meaning 'Ten' and 'Hara'
meaning 'annihilated'. So literally, Dussehra is the day in which the 10
different facets of Evil had been destroyed. Dussehra is celebrated on the
10th day of the Hindu month of Ashwina or Ashwayuja, and the day is the
final day of the 10 day festival of Navaratri. The festival lasts for ten
days, and not only Hindus but people of other religions also celebrate the
festival with great fanfare. In some regions of India, Hindus and Sikhs
celebrate this festival together.
Legends Associated to Dussehra
Apart from Ramayana, there is another legend associated with the festival
of Dussehra, that had been mentioned in the Mahabharata. As per the legend,
the Pandavas underwent a period of exile, that included the 12 years of
dwelling in the forest followed by one more year of exile incognito. During
the latter period of the exile, it was compulsory for the Pandavas to lay
aside, the weapons that they possessed for the entire year. Hence, the
Pandavas, secreted the weapons under a 'Shami' tree in the vicinity of their
opted place for incognito residence.
After the completion of the year, the Pandavas returned to the spot and
found their weapons intact. In return, the Pandavas, worshipped both the
'Shami' tree and the Goddess Durga. Later, the Kauravas invaded the area, in
search of the Pandavas. However, upon finishing their worship, the Pandavas
fought the battle and won the contest comprehensively. Since then, the day
when the Pandavas won the battle is known as 'Vijayadashami.' Interestingly,
even today in Mysore, the 'Shami' tree finds commemoration during the
renowned Navaratri celebration and people exchange 'Shami' leaves and wish
each other.
Celebrations during Dussehra
Celebrations of Dussehra festival varies from one region to another region
in the country. In the Northern part of India, the festival is celebrated
with much pomp and gaiety. During the period of the festivities, the Ramlila
- a dramatization of the Ramayana is enacted by professional dance companies
and amateur troupes all over northern part of the country. Crackers are
burnt by the people and big melas or fairs are also organized during that
period. On the 10th day of Dussehra, the effigies of Ravana, his giant
brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnad are burnt, that signify the victory of
good over evil and the festivities come to close.
Festivities
of Southern, Western and Eastern India is quite different from Northern
India. In these parts of the country, the festival is celebrated with much
fervour and splendour. In the city of Mysore, on Vijayadashami day, the
goddess Chamundeshwari is worshipped and then borne in a Golden Ambari
(Elephnat-mounted throne), in a huge procession, from the historical Mysore
Palace to the Banni Mantapa or Shami Pavilion.
In West Bengal, Dusshera is celebrated as Durga Puja, for nine days, the
idols of the goddess Durga is worshipped and on the 10th day the idols are
immersed in pond or river. Bengali people celebrate the Dussehra as a part
of their main festival Durga Puja. First nine days are collectively referred
to as 'Navratri' and the day 10 marks the end of Durga Puja celebration.
However, in Kullu-Manali, Dussehra is celebrated three days after the rest
of the country celebrates. According to legend, during ancient times the
lesser powerful kings had to participate in the celebration held at Maharaja
Ranjit Singh's Palace in Lahore. During those days it used to take around
three days for the weaker kings to return to their own kingdom to celebrate
the festival of Dussehra. The ritual is still followed by the people of the
Kullu and Manali regions, hence it is celebrated three days behind the
schedule.
Significance of Dussehra
Dussehra signifies the triumph of Good over Evil and it is also considered
to be an auspicious day to begin new things in life. In the Northern part of
India, Dussehra commemorates the victory of Lord Rama, over Ravana, the
ruler of Lanka, who according to the mythological Ramayana had abducted
Sita, the wife of Rama. However, in the Southern, Eastern and Western India,
the festival is celebrated as Navaratri, which ends with Vijayadashmi. Here
the same festival commemorates the legend in which the Goddess Durga,
vanquishes the demon Mahishasura.
