There is no denying the fact that it is evil. But with the dawn of evil, comes the light of goodness that conquers all evil, and darkness.
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami is a festival celebrated to mark the victory of goodness over evil. It is a festival celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India and in some parts of Nepal and Srilanka. Families and friends come out of their homes to witness the downfall of Ravana in Dussehra, every year.
The festival is inaugurated with the enactment of Ramleela, for several days, wherein episodes of the epic Ramayana is demonstrated. Ravana, as described in the Ramayana was the king of Lanka who was conquered by Lord Rama.
Ravana was also known to be the most knowledgeable being but was engulfed with arrogance and evil. He was blinded by his strength. He deemed himself invincible and resorted to wrongful endeavors. But as the saying goes, sooner or later, all evil ends. Thereupon, Lord Rama defeated Ravana and ended his life.
Dussehra symbolizes the abandonment of the wrong. It is celebrated with great pomp and show among Indians. Schools and colleges remain closed, allowing students to take delight and relish in the festival.
Giant effigies of Ravana are built and Fairs are organized across the country. At sundown, the effigies of Ravana are burned down. People from all walks of life and age groups stand witness to the victorious event.
The festival of Dussehra teaches us to conquer the evil within us. It reminds us to surrender the anger, arrogance, corruption and sinful thoughts we bear in our mind. It serves as a reminder to the entire humanity, to nurture love in their hearts and triumph over hatred.
The effigies of Ravana are burned every year, since days of old. Every living being stands witness and testifies the victory of good over bad, truth over lie, and love over hatred.
