Greetings & Wishes
Wishing you a blessed and enlightened Dussehra!
Oct
May the spirit of dharma guide your actions and choices, leading you to a life filled with virtue and goodness. Wishing you a blessed and enlightened Dussehra!
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India and some other South Asian countries. It is observed on the tenth day of the lunar month of Ashwin (usually in September or October) according to the Hindu calendar. Dussehra marks the triumph of good over evil and has both religious and cultural significance. Here are the details about Dussehra:
Religious Significance: Dussehra is celebrated for different reasons in various parts of India. The most well-known legend associated with Dussehra is the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, as narrated in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. It symbolizes the triumph of righteousness and virtue over evil and unrighteousness. In the eastern state of West Bengal, Dussehra coincides with the end of the Durga Puja festival, which celebrates the goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura.
Date of Celebration: Dussehra falls on the tenth day (Dashami) of the lunar month of Ashwin, which typically occurs in September or October on the Gregorian calendar. The festival culminates on the day following Navaratri, a nine-night festival devoted to the worship of the goddess Durga.
Celebration and Rituals: Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm and regional variations across India. Some of the common customs and rituals include:
Ram Lila: In North India, elaborate reenactments of scenes from the Ramayana, known as “Ram Lila,” are performed in the form of plays and processions. The climax of these performances is the destruction of an effigy of Ravana by Lord Rama, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Apta tree: In some parts of India, the leaves of the Apta tree are exchanged as a symbol of gold during this festive period.
Vijayadashami Puja: Devotees visit temples to seek blessings from deities, especially the goddess Durga. In West Bengal, idols of the goddess Durga are immersed in water on this day.
Worship of Implements: In many regions, people perform Ayudha Puja, where they clean and worship their tools, vehicles, and weapons as a mark of respect for their instruments of livelihood.
Cultural Events: In addition to religious customs, various cultural events, fairs, and processions take place, showcasing the rich traditions, music, and dance of different regions.
Exchange of Gifts: Dussehra is a time for family and friends to exchange gifts and sweets as a sign of goodwill and love.
Dussehra is a festival that embodies the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and righteousness over unrighteousness. It is a time for families and communities to come together to celebrate this important cultural and religious event with reverence and joy.
