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Dussehra- also known as Vijaydashmi or the Festival of Faith and Patience
Dussehra is celebrated by the Hindus of the entire country and non-Hindus of Nepal
Dussehra is celebrated on the 10th day of the fortnight in the month of Ashwin as per the Hindu calendar
Mythological Significance
Dussehra is the final day of the Navarathri festival which is of 10 days. Dussehra is also well-known as Vijaydashmi. In India along with this festival harvesting season also starts at the same time. On this very day king of god Lord Rama defeated and assassinated the unrighteous Ravana, he was a 10 headed evil King of Lanka. Ravana had abducted Sita she was Rama's consort.
It is said the Lakshman, Lord Rama's brother went to Lanka along with his army of monkeys and had an immense battle with Ravana's army. This battle had lasted for about 10 days. Lord Rama was a great spiritual believer of the goddess Durga, as she was the goddess of war. Rama prayed for first nine days and on the 10th day he killed Ravana. Along with Ravana Lord Rama also killed his 2 brother Vibhishana and Kumbhkaran. Ravana's son Meghnath was killed by Lakshman. Hence this festival is celebrated as the victory of good over bad.
Another legend says that Dussehra is also celebrated because goddess Durga assassinated the Mahishasura know as the buffalo demon. In west Bengal this festival is well known as the Durga pooja and is the only most significant festival for the Bengalis.
Celebration of Dussehra
The word Dussehra can be interpreted "Dusa-hara" that means cutting down the 10 heads of Ravana. In many places people perform the folk play 'Ramleela' narrating the story of Rama's life. During this there is a musical description of the katha. After the Ramleela the idols of Lord Rama, Goddess sit and Brother Lakshman are carried on a huge decorated chariot. This is followed by thousands of people shouting Jai Shri Rama. In some parts of India huge statues of Ravana with his ten heads, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath are held in a big ground and finally they are burnt by hitting an arrow of fire. This signifies the defeat of evil and victory of good. This type of Dussehra is celebrated in Karnataka and Ahmedabad and has huge demand all over the country.
In Orissa Dussehra is celebrates as Durga Puja which is performed in two different ways. The idol of Goddess Durga is placed in huge pandals that are decorated; there are puja's conducted in this pandals with huge crowd together to worship goddess Durga. This takes place for at least 15 to 16 days; this is well-known as the Shodasa Upachara. On the last day there is a procession that is carried with the Durga Mata on the beautifully decorated chariot, this procession is carried till the sea or the river and then idol of goddess Durga is immersed in the water with full respects and love of the devotees.
Traditional Food
In Dussehra there are many traditional cuisines that are made during this festival for 10 days. There are some favorite dishes made such as Badam Kheer, Aloo Kachori, Besan Burfi, Jalebi, Khaman dhokla and Paneer pakora. The cuisines are a mixture of crispy and sweet dishes to enjoy the festival of Dussehra.
This festival is one of the most important festivals for the Bengalis and for all the Hindus as it shows the victory of Good over bad.
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