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Dussehra: Date & Timing, Cultural Significance and Triumph of Good Over Evil

PWOnlyIAS October 23, 2023 11:47 4753 0

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Context: Dussehra festival is celebrated to mark the end of Navratri.

Dussehra: Date & Timing, Cultural Significance and Triumph of Good Over Evil

Context: Dussehra festival is celebrated to mark the end of Navratri.

What is Dussehra?

  • It is also known as Vijayadashami, is a Hindu festival celebrated every year at the end of Navaratri.

When Will Dussehra 2023 be Celebrated?

  • Date and Duration: It typically falls in the Gregorian calendar months of September and October. 
  • According to Hindu calendar, it falls on the tenth day of the month of Ashwina.

Rooted in Legend: The Symbolism of Victory in Dussehra Celebrations

  • Battle of Goddess Durga: It marks the end of Durga Puja, remembering goddess Durga’s victory against Mahishasura to restore and protect dharma.
  • Victory against Raavan: It also commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the Raavan. On the whole, it celebrates the victory of good over evil.

Variety in Unity: Diverse Dussehra Celebrations Across India

  • Dussehra in North India: People play Ram leela during nine days and on the day of Vijayadashami, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad are publicly burnt to mark the end of evil.
  • Dussehra in South India: In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, people honor their elders by giving them shami tree leaves. Boat festival known as theppotsavam is also organized.

Kullu Dussehra

    • In Karnataka, ‘Dussehra Procession’, known as Jambu savari, is held on Vijayadashami. On this day, decorated elephants carry the idol of Chamudeshwari around the city of Mysore.
    • In Kerala, Vijayadashami is celebrated as Vidhyarambham day. Small children are introduced to education on this auspicious day.
  • Dussehra in the Western Regions: In the state of Gujarat, It is celebrated as Navratra festival. It involved worship of goddess Durga as Shakti.
    • The celebrations involve traditional Garba dance, which is performed on all days of the Navratra.
    • In Maharashtra, people wear traditional clothes and visit temples. They exchange shami tree leaves for good luck. 
  • Dussehra in the Eastern States: In Eastern India, especially West Bengal, the it’s celebrations are marked with immersion of goddess Durga idols, which are worshiped for nine days.
    • It is an occasion for celebrating the goddess’ victory over evil. 

Cultural Reverence: Rituals and Traditions of Dussehra Festival

  • Offering of Prayers: Prayers are offered to Lord Rama and other Hindu deities during the festival.
  • Ayudha Puja: Shastra Puja, also known as Ayudha Puja, which involves the worship of tools, weapons, and implements, are performed.
  • Ramlila Intangible Cultural Heritage: Dramatic enactment of Ramayana is performed during the nine days of Navratri.

Symbolism of Dussehra: The Victory of Good over Evil

  • Dussehra and the Triumph of Virtue: Vijayadashami commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. It celebrates the triumph of virtue over evil.
    • Burning of Raavan effigies are common celebrations representing the defeat of evil at the hands of good.
  • The Importance of ‘Raavan Dahan’: Raavan, who symbolizes evil, was killed by Lord Ram, the epitome of good. Raavan dahan is a symbolic representation of good’s triumph over evil.

Community Unity and Festivities: Social Dimensions of Dussehra Celebrations

Dussehra

  • Community Gatherings: Vijayadashmi is an occasion for the whole family and community to come together and commemorate victory of righteousness.
    • People living in far-off places use this festival as an occasion to visit their friends and family.
  • Fairs and Festivals: 
    • Kullu Dussehra: In Himachal Pradesh it lasts for seven days and people worship Lord Raghunath.
    • Mysuru Dasara: Celebrations of Mysuru Dasara include cultural performances, parades and competitions. Special events are held during the course of the celebrations, followed by procession of goddess Chamundeshwari.
    • Kota Dussehra Fair: it is an occasion for artisans to showcase their art. The fair ends with the Raavan Dahan.
    • Dussehra Carnival of Madikeri: A grand carnival is held on in Karnataka’s Madikeri. Folk dances are conducted on the occasion of this event.
    • Ramlila at Ramlila Maidan: A special fair, along with Ramlila enactment, is held at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan during the festive season.
    • Bastar Dussehra: Celebration in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar is carried out for 75 days. Special rituals such as pata jatra, kachan gaadi and nisha jatra are performed.
  • The Spirit of Togetherness: It is an occasion for people to come together and celebrate the victory of good by removing bitterness between them. It is an opportunity for the whole community to display togetherness.

Cultural Splendor: Art, Attire, and Decor in Dussehra Celebrations

  • Rangoli and Kolam Designs: Rangoli is considered the symbol of good fortune. They also enhance the beauty of the house. 
    • New Intricate designs are employed that makes the festival more attractive. 
  • Traditional Dressing: In Western part of the country, especially Gujarat, women wear the chaniya choli during Navratri. The men wear traditional clothes, such as pajama and ghagra and a pagdi.
    • In Eastern India, women wear traditional Bengali handloom saree associated with Durga puja. Men wear kurta and dhoti.
    • In southern India, women generally wear traditional silk saree whereas men wear silk or cotton Mundu.

Celebrating Knowledge and Triumph: The Significance of Vijayadasami Festival

  • Victory of Knowledge and Wisdom: It is not just the victory of good over evil; it is the victory of knowledge and wisdom over ignorance.
  • Connection to Education: It is considered an auspicious occasion for introducing children to education. This festival also includes worship of goddess Saraswati, who is the goddess of Knowledge.

Conclusion:

  • Dussehra or Vijayadashmi signify the victory of good over evil. Both the legends convey the message that even the most powerful evil forces can be defeated if we have faith and determination.
  • It is one such occasion for acknowledging the fact that good always triumphs over evil.
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Dussehra FAQs

It also known as Vijayadashami, is a Hindu festival celebrated every year at the end of Navaratri.

It typically falls in the Gregorian calendar months of September and October. According to Hindu calendar, it falls on the tenth day of the month of Ashwina.

- It marks the end of Durga Puja, remembering goddess Durga's victory against Mahishasura to restore and protect dharma. - Dussehra also commemorates Lord Rama's victory over the Raavan. On the whole, it celebrates the victory of good over evil.

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