After the nine days of Navratri comes Dussehra which is also known as “Vijayadashami” or “the day of victory”. Vijayadashami is celebrated with great pomp throughout India. In North India, Ramlila is staged at this time in which the entire life of “Lord Rama and Mother Sita” is shown through their drama and people burn the effigy of Ravana in an open field at night by putting firecrackers inside it. This gives the impression that on this day good had won over evil.
Vijayadashami 2024 : the day of victory
Vijayadashami is celebrated because Lord Vishnu’s incarnation Shri Ram Ji achieved victory by killing the 10-headed demon king Ravana. Ravana had kidnapped Lord Ram’s wife Mata Sita. Shri Ram killed the demon Ravana in the war and conquered Ravana.
Dussehra : a festival
Vijayadashami is a cultural festival. Many places in India celebrate this day with fairs, dramas and social celebrations. The festival is celebrated in different ways across India but it ends with the victory of Shri Ram over the demon Ravana.
In northern India, in cities such as Varanasi, Delhi and Lucknow, large effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakaran and son Meghnath are burned to symbolize the victory of good over evil.
The epic Ramlila, a dramatic enactment of the Ramayana, is performed in many parts of northern India, culminating with the defeat of Ravana.
In western India, in Gujarat and Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated with great pomp, where communities gather for traditional folk dances called garba and dandiya during Navratri. The day of Vijayadashami is often celebrated with the worship of tools, vehicles and weapons, recognizing the importance of tools of work, war and livelihood in daily life.
In the east, in West Bengal, Assam and Odisha, the day is celebrated as the grand culmination of Durga Puja. Lavishly decorated pandals (temporary temples) are erected in honor of Goddess Durga, and her idol is immersed in rivers on the last day, symbolizing her return to Mount Kailash. In the south, in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, the festival is celebrated as a day of auspicious beginnings. In Mysore, Karnataka, the royal family traditionally leads a grand procession known as Jambu Savari.
A Time for Reflection
As we celebrate Vijayadashami, let us take a moment to reflect on the significance of this festival. Let us strive to emulate the values of Lord Rama and work towards creating a society that is just, equitable, and peaceful. Happy Vijayadashami!
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Celebration Galore
During Vijayadashami, effigies of Ravana, along with his brothers Meghnath and Kumbhkaran, are created and set ablaze, symbolizing the destruction of negativity and the triumph of righteousness. The skies light up with fireworks, reflecting the joy and fervor of the occasion. In various regions, processions and dramatic reenactments of Lord Rama’s heroic journey captivate audiences, instilling a sense of cultural pride and unity.
This festival is not just a religious observance but also a reminder of the resilience inherent in human nature. As communities celebrate Vijayadashami, they embrace the values of courage, hope, and the unwavering belief that light will always prevail over darkness. Join in the festivities, and celebrate the spirit of Vijayadashami, where every flame ignites a new beginning.
Vijayadashami concludes : the anticipation for Diwali
As Vijayadashami concludes, the anticipation for Diwali, the Festival of Lights, begins. Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, making Dussehra or Vijayadashami a significant precursor to the subsequent celebrations. Homes are adorned with colorful rangolis, and diyas are lit, ushering in joy and prosperity. Families gather to share sweets, gifts, and laughter, reflecting the spirit of togetherness.
Both Vijayadashami and Diwali are interconnected, representing the cycle of life, resilience, and hope. As we celebrate Vijayadashami, let us embrace the values of courage and righteousness, paving the way for the illumination and festivities of Diwali. This season is a reminder that every end is a new beginning, filled with the promise of light and joy.
