Table of Contents
Introduction
Dussehra is a major festival of Hindus, it is celebrated on the Dashami date of Ashwini Shukla Paksha, known as Dussehra or Vijayadashami. All Hindus celebrate this festival with great reverence. There is a slight arrival of cold in this month. This month is very pleasant.
There is neither excess heat nor excess winter in this month. Dussehra is also related to Shakti, just as Saraswati is worshipped for knowledge, in the same way, Mother Durga is worshipped for Shakti.
It is said that on this day Shri Rama killed the demon Ravana and mother Durga had killed the demon Mahishasura and Maa Durga had taken the form of Maa Mahishasura Mardani and killed the demons Chand-mund and Shri Ram Ji worshipped Maa Durga and killed Ravana. Therefore, Dussehra is also known as Durga Puja in other areas of Bengal.
Meaning of Dussehra
The word Dussehra has its origin in the Sanskrit word ‘Das-har’ which literally means getting rid of ten evils. The Dussehra festival is celebrated to commemorate the Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana by rescuing his abducted wife and symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Ramlila is performed ten days before Dussehra. The importance of Dussehra is well known due to Ramlila. Ramlila is shown in every city and village in India. In Delhi, there is Ramlila in every colony. But Ramlila of Ramlila Maidan near Delhi Gate is most famous.
Prime Minister Also Comes
On the day of Dussehra, the Prime Minister himself comes to see Ramlila. He is accompanied by other ministers and officials. Apart from them, there is a crowd of millions. A grand fair is organized on the day of Dussehra. On that day effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are burnt.
Actually, most of the people come to see these mannequins. Apart from Ramlila, fireworks are also very much on Dussehra which captivates the audience. There are fireworks competitions in many cities of which the city of Agra is prominent.
Effigy of Ravana
There are fireworks from many cities and the one who has the best fireworks are awarded. After showing fireworks, Rama kills Ravana. Then the fire is made in the effigies in turn. The effigy of Kumbhakarna is lit first. After that, Meghnad’s effigy is set on fire, and later Ravana’s effigy is set on fire.
The effigy of Ravana is the largest. He has ten heads and has a sword and shield in both his hands. Shri Rama burns the effigy of Ravana with fire. After the fire in the effigy of Ravana, all the spectators walk to their respective homes.
Dussehra is considered an auspicious day in Hindu society. On this day, labourers worship their work instruments and express happiness by distributing laddus. The festival of Dussehra is considered the victory of truth over evil and good over evil.
On this day, Shri Rama killed Ravana, a symbol of evil. Therefore, we should also abandon our evils and accept the good, only then this day will prove to be meaningful.
