One of the main Hindu holidays, Dusshera is also known as Dasara or Vijayadashami. It is observed on the tenth day of the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin, which usually falls in the Gregorian months of September and October.
Vijayadashami is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian Subcontinent.
Vijayadashami marks the Goddess Durga's win over Mahishasur. Mahishasur, a shape-shifting demon, terrorized the gods and was nearly invincible. In response, the gods created Goddess Durga, who fought Mahishasur for nine days and nights, ultimately defeating him on the tenth day.
Dussehra also marks Lord Ram's victory over the demon king Raavan. Lord Ram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, battled the demon king Raavan, who had kidnapped Ram's wife, Sita. With the help of his brother Lakshman, Lord Hanuman, Vanarsena, and Raavan's brother Vibhishan, Ram defeated Raavan.
In Mahabharat, Pandavas fought evil forces with a set of distinctive weapons which they had to abandon and go into exile for one year. They hid their weapons in a Shami tree and found them in the same place when they returned from exile. They then worshipped the tree before going to a battle, which they won. Dussehra also celebrates the homecoming of the Pandavas from exile.
In its most basic form, Dusshera represents the moral victory of good over evil, hence serving as an ideology for the people to follow. It's a reminder to believers that in the end, evil will bow down to good, and that peace and harmony will be achieved after darkness is defeated.
Many Hindus also believe that beginning a new venture, project, or journey on Dussehra is lucky.
Effigies of Raavan are burnt to signify the victory of Lord Ram and the victory of Dharma.
Many Hindus worship household and work-related tools that aid their income. Artisans worship their instruments and individuals owning vehicles worship their vehicles.
In Maharashtra, the leaves of the Shami tree are traded as a representation of gold.
In Northern India, melas and performances of the Ramleela are a common sight. Ramleela is a dramatic depiction of the key episodes of Ramayan and takes place during nine days leading to Dusshera.
Sindur Khela is a West Bengal custom observed in the state on the day of Dussehra. This festival is considered highly auspicious by Bengali women to play with vermilion on this day as it is believed this bestows marital bliss in their lives.
In Bastar, Chattisgarh, Bastar Dusshera is celebrated for 75 days, not only to celebrate Lord Ram's victory over Raavan but also to honor Goddess Danteshwari Devi.
The Crazy Creatives team wishes you all a very happy Dusshera.
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