Dussehra 2024 has various regional and cultural variations in its celebrations, such as Ramlila, Mysore Dasara, Durga Puja, Bathukamma and Golu.
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated in India and around the world. It marks the end of the nine-day Navratri festival and the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin, which usually falls in October or November. Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil and the triumph of righteousness over unrighteousness. In 2023, Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 12th.
Date of Dussehra
In 2024, Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 12th.
History of Dussehra
The history of Dussehra is rooted in the Hindu epic Ramayana, which narrates the story of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and his battle with Ravana, the ten-headed demon king who abducted his wife Sita. According to legend, Lord Rama performed a nine-day worship of Goddess Durga to seek her blessings and guidance for his war against Ravana. On the tenth day, he defeated Ravana and rescued Sita, thus restoring dharma (righteousness) and justice in the world.
Another legend associated with Dussehra is that of Goddess Durga and her victory over Mahishasura, a powerful demon who terrorized the gods and humans. Goddess Durga was created by the combined energies of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva to fight Mahishasura. She fought with him for nine days and nights and finally killed him on the tenth day, which is also known as Vijayadashami (the day of victory).
Significance of Dussehra
Vijayadashami holds a deep spiritual and moral significance in Hindu tradition. The festival commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and righteousness over sin. It is also the day when Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura, marking the end of Durga Puja in eastern parts of India like West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam.
In many regions, the festival serves as a reminder of moral duty, courage, and the power of truth. Effigies of Ravana, along with those of his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnad, are burnt in spectacular events known as Ravan Dahan, symbolizing the destruction of evil forces. These events are often accompanied by fireworks and public gatherings, offering a festive and spiritual atmosphere.
Celebrations of Dussehra
Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor across India with various regional and cultural variations. Some of the common ways of celebrating Dussehra are:
- Ramlila: Ramlila is a theatrical performance of the Ramayana that is staged in many parts of North India during the nine days of Navratri. On the tenth day, huge effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghanada are burnt with fireworks, symbolizing the destruction of evil.
- Mysore Dasara: Mysore Dasara is a grand festival that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of lights and a majestic procession with caparisoned elephants, folk dancers and musicians is taken out on the streets. The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is also carried on a golden throne in a chariot.
- Durga Puja: Durga Puja is a major festival in West Bengal and other eastern states that celebrates the worship of Goddess Durga. Beautiful pandals (temporary structures) are erected to house the idols of Durga and her children Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartikeya. People visit these pandals to offer prayers and enjoy cultural programs. On the tenth day, the idols are immersed in water bodies, symbolizing the return of Durga to her husband Shiva.
- Bathukamma: Bathukamma is a floral festival celebrated in Telangana that coincides with Dussehra. Women make colorful flower arrangements in circular shapes called Bathukammas and place them on a brass plate. They sing folk songs and dance around them in a circle. On the final day, they immerse them in water bodies as a gesture of respect to nature.
- Golu: Golu is a festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala that displays various dolls depicting gods, goddesses, saints, animals and scenes from mythology on steps called Kolu. People invite their friends and relatives to see their Golu arrangements and exchange gifts.
Important Facts about Dussehra
Here are some interesting facts about Dussehra that you may not know:
- Dussehra is also known as Vijayadashami, which literally means “victory on the tenth day.”
- Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the Ashwin month in the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in September or October.
- Dussehra marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana and the triumph of righteousness over unrighteousness.
- Dussehra is also celebrated as the day when Goddess Durga defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
- Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor all over India with people participating in various cultural and religious events.
- Some of the popular ways to celebrate Dussehra include watching or participating in Ramleela, participating in the Ravana Dahan ceremony, and attending fairs, melas, processions, and music and dance performances.
- The word Dussehra comes from two Sanskrit words: Dasha (ten) and Hara (defeat), meaning the defeat of the ten-headed Ravana by Rama.
- In some parts of India, people sow barley seeds in earthen pots on the first day of Navratri and use them as symbols of luck on Dussehra.
- In some regions, people also worship their tools, weapons, vehicles and books on Dussehra as a form of Ayudha Puja (worship of instruments).
- In some communities, young children initiate their education by writing their first letters on sand or rice grains on Dussehra.
- In some places, people also fly kites on Dussehra as a way of celebrating the festival.
Dussehra 2024 is a festival that celebrates the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India. It reminds us of the importance of upholding our values and morals in the face of challenges and temptations. It also encourages us to respect and appreciate nature and its gifts. Dussehra 2024 is a festival that brings joy, hope and prosperity to millions of people across India and the world.
