Dussehra

Denoted with multiple names like Dashahara, Dussehra, Dashain, Navratri or the Durgotsav concept amongst others, Dussehra Puja is one of the prominent Hindu festivals in the entire Indian subcontinent. Major attraction of this festival is being celebrated in many forms across India and the neighboring countries of Bangladesh and Nepal. Originally being derived from the Sanskrit word, Dasha-hara, today’s Dussehra Puja is the reminder of a victory of good over the evil forces. This festival is a celebration of the Lord Ram’s victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana.

Furthermore, Dussehra Puja is celebrated to mark Goddess Durga’s victory over the Mahishasur demons as well. Other names of this festival, especially Vijayadashami have been derived from two Sanskrit words Vijaya and Dashmi explaining the victory on the 10th day. It is calculated on the basis of Hindu lunar calendar’s 10th day.

History

The history of Dussehra Puja remains a mesmerizing one. This festival is celebrated since several centuries on the 10th day of the Hindu lunar calendar’s Ashwin month every year. Famous with its other name, Vijayadashmi, the Dussehra festival is the notable one in the Indian subcontinent for it being symbolic of God’s victory over the evil forces. The celebration is usually during the September to October months of the Gregorian calendar as it corresponds with the Hindu calendar.

Celebrations

Although there is certain level of difference in celebrating Dussehra Puja from one part to the other in the Indian subcontinent due to the local cultural impacts but the zest of this festival remains same everywhere. Maha Navratri is the first nine days before the celebration of actual Dussehra Puja on the 10th day. These nine nights have their importance and are considered too much auspicious.

As Sharad Navratri or the most crucial and important Navratri falls on 10th day it becomes the day of Dasara and the celebration time worth noting. Several local customs and traditions are associated with the Dussehra Puja depending upon the traditions of one region to the other. Although they vary too much but main zest of this key Hindu festival remains one to celebrate the winning of truth and honesty over evil forces.

The celebration of victory of Lord Rama over Ravana is celebrated through prayers and enacting the roles like burning the effigy of Ravana to commemorate the scene of victory. Interesting activities during this festival are organizing plays to showcase the bravery of Lord Rama on the great demon Ravana. Lord Rama had took steps to kill Ravana to take back his wife Sita who had been abducted by the demon.

It remains an enactment of the whole battle which Lord Rama had fought with the assistance of his brother Lakshmana and devout follower, Hanuman. The great battle was fought with the army of monkeys to rescue Sita. Whole exercise is well explained during the plays enacted during Dussehra Puja. Such narratives are explained minutely in the Hindu scripture epic Ramayana.

Importance of Festival

Relevance and importance of Dussehra Puja has been increasing each passing of the day. Such feelings have developed with the spreading of knowledge about the importance of such festivals. Usually harvesting season begins in India while the time becomes ripe to celebrate Dussehra Puja. The worshippers pray to the Mother Goddess through invoking her that she should pour her blessings for a new harvest season. The myth prevails in all societies that by worshipping on this festival the Mother Goddess can be pleased for pleasure and therefore asked for blessings for the maximum fertility of soils. That is why this festival remains an important one in the rural Indian and rest countries nearby.

Perhaps such aspects have made Dussehra Puja relevant in the present scenario as much as it would have remained in the past era. Many religious performances and rituals are practiced during the 10 days of celebration to please Mother Goddess for the good fortune. Attractions of this festival are mainly the Hindus reuniting on this special day of festival. Religious gatherings turn into the social gatherings where most people offer foods and sweets to each other. They also offer sweets to various temples where Dussehra Pujas are organized.

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