A magnificent show lit up by burning of crackers in form of effigies is how Dussehra is celebrated all over the country. It is primarily the victory of good over evil. This is one of the best celebrated festival which lasts ten day long extravaganza culminating in Vijaydashmi. The Hindu festival of Dussehra signifies the God Rama’s “vijay” which means victory and succeeding rescue of his beloved wife Sita from the misery of demonic asur as Ravana after a strenuous loathsome battle. On the day of Dussehra, Ram, killed the great demon Raavan, who had abducted Ram’s wife. Sita to his kingdom of Lanka. Ram, along with his brother Lakshman and dedicated follower Hanuman, and an army of monkeys fought a great battle to rescue his lovely wife Sita. The war against Ravan lasted for ten days. Sita had been returned to her husband Ram and they now move to Ayodhya , their abode in triumph and glory. Hence, it is on the diwali day at Lord Ram, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the Treta yug, returned to his capital Ayodhya after the exile of fourteen years.
To get to know how Dussehra is celebrated in North India, the best and appropriate place would be none other than the capital itself, Delhi. While burning of firecrackers, buzzing crowd, sky high effigies and lip smacking sweets are all that awaits you in Delhi. It also holds theatrical representation of the epic Ramayan which is one full fledged performance with lights, drama, action keeping the audience at the edge of their seat throughout. With technological advancement and passing years use of special effects, over the top dance and melodrama and most importantly appealing colorful dress paves way for an experience hard to forget.
Dussehra is a festival of recognition of good and it’s significance to subjugate evil. This exuberant festival is celebrated by Hindus all over our country and is popular by various different names. It is also known as Vijaydashmi, as per hindu mythology. It is to be noted that it was on this day that Lord Rama killed Ravana, the demon King of the province of Lanka to rescue his beloved wife Sita, after butchering ten heads of the formidable Ravana, on the tenth day of the ensuing battle. Thus, to commemorate the day, monster size effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnath, stuffed with crackers and surrounded by fireworks, are burnt to signify the end of evil. Moreover, plays, short skits and dramas enactments of epic Ramayana called as Ram Leela are performed all over India preceded Dussehra. These plays are based on the Ramayana are based on the epic Ramayana, which describes the life saga of lord Ram.
Goodness in mankind is invested in the deeds of the god king Ram, the ruler of Ayodhya. Lord Ram, was a righteous loving family man with moral values. The main impetus in celebration of Dussehra and Diwali is the triumph of good over evil and then the goodness enriched life of Lord Ram. It is interesting to note that Diwali, the festival of lights is celebrated exactly 20 days after Dussehra on Amavas, during fortnight of karthik, somewhere in October-November!
Accordingly, to sum up, the return of Ram, Sita and Lakshman to Ayodhya, people celebrate Diwali with the bursting of crackers and by lighting up their houses with earthen diyas. This awe inspiring manner of celebration have continued, year after year. To this day, the whole of Ramayana is enacted in dramas and skits which is put to display in historic places like Ram Lila Maidan, Delhi other than in all nook and corner is a spectacular festival to witness and experience altogether.
Read More: History of Dussehra
This is a ten day festival based on a lunar date with many imperative days and also because it has many different names in the various regions on India, it is hard to ascertain when each region has a holiday.
Significance of Dussehra
Firstly, Dussehra is the celebration of the good and vanquishment of the evil. It is celebrated in a beautiful manner with gaiety and colors. Garba, the traditional folk dance from Gujarat, is observed by numerous individuals who gather all the nine nights by tossing their heads to sprightly dance by primarily paying obeisance to Ambe Mata (Durga Devi) by dancing to upbeat traditional Gujarati Songs and beats in circle. Furthermore, Dussehra is regarded as an auspicious day to kick start a new venture or nay kind of work. In different states across India, individuals observe rituals different from each other. It is truly a beautiful, fulfilling experience at large.
