Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across India. This auspicious occasion falls on the tenth day of the Navratri festival, which spans nine nights, and is also observed as the fifth day of Durga Puja in some regions. The word “Dussehra” is derived from “Dasha-Hara,” which means the triumph of good over evil.
The festival holds deep religious and cultural importance. It commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness over evil. Many enact the Ram Leela, a dramatic retelling of the Ramayana, during this time.
In different parts of India, Dussehra is celebrated in diverse ways, with grand processions, Ravana effigy burnings, and other rituals. Families come together to worship the goddess Durga and seek her blessings. It is a time for people to renew their commitment to values of truth, righteousness, and victory of good over evil, making Dussehra a unifying and spiritually significant festival for Hindus nationwide.
