Understanding Dussehra - A Significant Hindu Festival Celebrating Good Over Evil

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India and other parts of the world. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the Ashvin month of the Hindu calendar, which typically falls in September or October of the Gregorian calendar. The word "Dussehra" is derived from the Sanskrit words "Dasha" meaning "ten" and "Hara" meaning "destroy".

The festival of Dussehra commemorates the victory of Lord Rama, a Hindu deity, over the demon king Ravana. According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, Ravana had abducted Lord Rama's wife Sita and taken her to his kingdom in Lanka (present-day Sri Lanka). Lord Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana and the monkey king Hanuman, waged a war against Ravana to rescue Sita. After a fierce battle, Lord Rama defeated Ravana and freed Sita from captivity.

Dussehra is celebrated over ten days, starting from the first day of the Ashvin month, known as Mahalakshmi Puja. On each day of the festival, devotees worship Goddess Durga, the feminine form of the divine, who is believed to have fought against the buffalo-demon Mahishasura and emerged victorious. The tenth day of the festival, Vijayadashami, marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor.

On this day, people dress up in their finest clothes, exchange gifts, and participate in various cultural events and activities. In many parts of India, especially in North India, large effigies of Ravana are burned to symbolize the destruction of evil and the triumph of good. Children and adults alike enjoy the festive atmosphere and the excitement of the celebrations.

Overall, Dussehra is a significant festival in Hinduism that celebrates the victory of good over evil and the triumph of righteousness over injustice. It is a time for family gatherings, cultural events, and spiritual reflection, and it is an important part of Indian culture and heritage.