Vijayadashami 2023: Cultural Significance, Triumph, Festivity, Unity, Victory

PWOnlyIAS October 23, 2023 06:15 3299 0

Context: Vijayadashami also known as Dussehra 2023, is being celebrated across India on October 24, signifying the conclusion of the nine-day extravaganza of Navratri and the four or five-day celebration of Durga Puja.

Vijayadashami 2023: Cultural Significance, Triumph, Festivity, Unity, Victory

Vijayadashami 2023: Celebrating the Triumph of Good over Evil on October 24

  • Day of Celebration: This year, Vijayadashami falls on October 24, and according to Drik Panchang.
  • Theme: Though Dashami and Dussehra entail distinct rituals, they share the common theme of celebrating the victory of good over evil.

Vijayadashami 2023: Signifying Triumph Over Evil in Indian Culture:

  • Cultural Value: It signifies the conclusion of the nine-day extravaganza of Navratri and the four or five-day celebration of Durga Puja.
    • Righteousness vs Evil: This auspicious day is steeped in mythological significance, as it is believed to mark the triumphant moment when Lord Rama vanquished the demon King Ravana and his malevolent army after a protracted battle between the forces of righteousness and evil. 
      • This monumental victory has led to the day being christened as Vijay Dashami, the Day of Victory.
    • Conquest of Good over Evil: Vijayadashami also symbolises the day when the fierce Goddess Durga confronted and annihilated Mahishasura’s formidable army, ultimately slaying the buffalo demon.
      • This carries with it the profound message of the conquest of good over evil.

Vijayadashami 2023: Vibrant Traditions and Symbolic Rituals in Celebration

  • Ramleela: On this day, the streets come alive with vibrant Ramleela performances, especially in the northern regions of the country. 
    • These enactments vividly depict the life and valour of the righteous Lord Rama through ballads and plays.
  • Ravana Burning: Another captivating tradition associated with Vijayadashami is the ritualistic burning of effigies, symbolising the defeat of the antagonists. 
    • The effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakaran are set ablaze, underscoring the glorious triumph of good over evil.
  • Idols Immersion: It marks the immersion of idols of Goddess Durga and her divine children — Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Saraswati, and Goddess Lakshmi. 
  • People exchange warm wishes of a Happy Dussehra or Shubho Bijoya, reflecting on the year that has passed and eagerly anticipating what the future holds.
Variety in Unity: Diverse Vijayadashami Celebrations Across India

  • Vijayadashami 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.
  • Vijayadashami 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.
    • 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.
  • Vijayadashami 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. 
  • Vijayadashami 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. 

 

Conclusion:

  • Vijayadashami, observed on October 24, represents the victory of good over evil in Indian culture. Its diverse celebrations, from vibrant performances to effigy burning and idol immersion, foster unity and resilience, epitomizing the enduring triumph of righteousness.
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UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

Vijayadashami FAQs

Vijayadashami signifies the victory of good over evil and marks the conclusion of Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations.

In North India, people play Ramlila, burn effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnad, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

The PRASAD scheme aims to develop pilgrimage sites, providing financial assistance for infrastructure development and promoting cultural heritage.

ASI preserves and conserves ancient monuments and conducts archaeological research, contributing to India's cultural heritage preservation.

In South India, Vijayadashami involves honoring elders with shami tree leaves and unique traditions like the Jambu savari procession in Karnataka.

Burning effigies like Ravana's symbolizes the defeat of evil forces, emphasizing the victory of good, a central theme of Vijayadashami.
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