Dussehra is the most popular festival in India. . It is also known as Vijayadashmi. It is a Hindu festival, which is celebrated all over India to mark the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. Rama killed the demon-king, Ravana and rescued his abducted wife – Sita. In other words, it signifies the triumph of good over evil. The legendary triumph is reenacted to the day. In the northern parts of India, huge effigies of Ravana, his giant brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnath are placed in vast open grounds. Fireworks and crackers are placed inside the effigies.
Dussehra also symbolizes the dussehra triumph of warrior Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura.The ‘Ramlila’ – an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day (Dussehra or Vijay Dasami), actors dressed as Rama shoot flaming arrows at effigies of Ravana, his son and brother -Meghnadh and Kumbhakarna,stuffed with firecrackers. In burning the effigies the people are asked to burn the evil within them, and thus follow the path of truth and goodness. Dusshera Puja in India varies from place to place. It differs region to region and it is influenced by local myth and religious beliefs. Bengalis celebrate Dusshera as a part of their main festiva Durga Puja. This day marks the end of Durga Pooja celebrations, the preceding nine days being collectively referred to as ‘Navratri’. Vijayadashmi is dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakti, who incarnated in the form of Goddess Durga, a combined manifestation of the divine energies of the Holy Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and all the other devatas, when they summoned her to kill the mighty demon known as Mahishasura and freed the world from his terror.On Vijayadashmi, the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed into water, after the nine days of festivities.
Dusshera day is considered a most auspicious day. It is a time-honored belief that if any new venture is started on this day, it is bound to be successful. Hence, all the undertakings be it laying-in of foundation of a new building, opening of a new commercial establishment or even initiating a child into the world of learning- are started on this day. Also on this day implements of agriculture, manufacturer’s machines, the intellectuals pens, the household articles, the children’s school books are placed before the idol of Durga and worshiped. eastern state of Tripura, huge fairs are conducted and effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkarna are burnts at Ramlila maidans.
Although Dussehra is celebrated in different ways across India, the motive remains the same – to spread good cheer and celebrate the victory of good over the evil.