Dussehra : History and Its Significance in India

Several rituals, including “Shami puja,” “Aparajita puja,” and “Seema avalanghan,” are carried out during Dussehra during the Aparahna time. The Dussehra festival is observed in the month of Ashvina following the Hindu calendar. As is well known, Lord Rama engaged in combat with the demon king Ravana in Lanka and ultimately defeated him. As a result, Hindus celebrate Vijayadasami or Dussehra.

History of Dussehra Festival

This festival has several mythological origins. For example, in some parts of India, this day commemorates the day that Goddess Durga slew the monster Mahishasur. For this reason, adoration is offered to all nine manifestations of Goddess Durga during Navratri. Additionally, it is stated that when Goddess Durga upholds Dharma, she leaves the material realm while being submerged in the water alongside her worshippers.

The main location of the Dussehra festival in Mysore, Karnataka, is where Chamundeshwari, another manifestation of Goddess Durga, defeated the demon Mahishasura. Are you aware that the city is attractively decked and adorned with colorful lights? Elephant parades pulling Goddess Chamundeshwari procession were seen throughout the city.

The Dussehra celebration marks the day Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana in Lanka and is observed throughout North India. Hindu mythology claims that Ravana seized Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. Ravana also received a blessing from Lord Brahma for his invincibility. As the seventh manifestation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama was able to kill Ravana by shooting an arrow into his stomach during the conflict. Based on this, the Dussehra festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

Dussehra Significance

The significance of this festival is versatile. In various states, it is regarded for different reasons.

For instance, this festival is celebrated in West Bengal to honor Goddess Durga’s victory over the serpent Mahishasura. In a procession proficient by music and chanting, idols of Maa Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Lord Kartikeya are brought throughout the state. Women apply vermilion, and various hues are visible all over the place. This day is known as Bijoy Dashami.

Other states observe it as Vijayadashami, a feast honoring Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana, who held his wife, Sita, hostage. It is said that Lord Rama invoked Goddess Durga for his success before embarking on his major battle and received her blessings. On this day, Arjun had also defeated every Kuru soldier.

This day highlights the wonderful triumph of good over evil in all preceding contexts.

How is Dussehra Celebrated?

One of the most well-known traditions during Dussehra in Northern India is the Ramleela, in which performers reenact the Ramayana. This is particularly well-liked in Varanasi, Agra, and the rest of Uttar Pradesh.

On the initial day of Navratri, barley seeds are also sown; by the tenth day, they have grown entirely. Then they are plucked and given as gifts to one another for luck and prosperity. On this day, men also place these leaves behind their ears.

Kullu Dussehra, a seven-day celebration that dates back to the 17th century, is observed in Himachal Pradesh.

It is a celebration of color in West Bengal. People take part in the idol’s visarjan on this day. Women put vermilion on the idol and each other before submerging it, and they bless one another for a long and happy marriage. The “Sindoor Khela” is the name of this rite.

This holiday is passionately observed in Odisha, where people value this day above Diwali. Ten days are spent in celebration. Married women prepare unique dishes on this day, such as fried fish, pitha (baked sweets), and paakhal (water-soaked rice). After making their sacrifices, they accompany the Goddess Durga idol for Visarjan, also known as the Bisarjan Jatra. The effigies of Ravana are then burned during the Ravan Podi ritual.