Vijayadashami Festival
Vijayadashami (विजयादशमी) Festival, which is also known as Dasara, Dussehra, or Dashani, is a Hindu festival celebrated every year all over India. Typically, this festival is observed in September or October at the end of Durga Puja or Navratri. Significantly, the festival symbolizes the factory of good over evil.
Dussehra marks the end of Durga Puja. Commemorating goddess Durga’s victory against the buffalo demon Mahishasur to restore and protect dharma.
Mahishasur was the son of Asura Rambha, and she buffaloed Mahisi. He had gained the boon that no man could kill him, so he waged war against all the devas. In the battle between the devas and Asuras, the devas were defeated by Mahishasur. Then the Mata Durga battled with Mahishasur and killed him. However, Goddess Durga fought for nine nights against Mahishasur. The culmination of this battle on the tenth day signifies the victory of goddess Durga, which is why it is called Navratri and Vijayadashami as a celebration of his ultimate defeat.
In addition the festival celebrates the victory of Pardhu Shri Ram’s victory over the demon king Ravana.
Lord Ram, the king of Ayodhya. Her father Dasaratha sent them for 11 years of vanvas. He, along with his wife Mata Sita, and brother Laxman
along the banks of the river Godavari, where they build cottages and live off the land. Meanwhike, Ravan, the king of Lanka, captured Sita and went him to Lanka. Ravan had a boon that he could not be killed by gods, demons, or spirits. Lord Ram went to Lanka with Hanuman ji, Sugrivahis, and his army to bring back Mata Sita. The battle takes place between Lord Ram and Asura Ravan, in which Lord Ram kills Dashanan’s (ten-headed) Ravan, restoring dharma in the world. This is why Vijayadashami is seen as a celebration of triumph of good over evil.
Vijayadashami is a combination of two Sanskrit words: Vijay (विजय), which means victory, and Dasami (दशमी), which means tenth day. This means that the festival on the tenth day celebrates the victory of good over evil.
Celebrate Vijayadashami festival in all over India.
- Vijayadashami festival in North India **Ramlila and Effigy Burning
In northern India, particularly in cities like Varanasi, Delhi, Ayodhya, and Mathura, Vijayadashami is closely linked to the performance of Ramlila, the dramatic reenactment of the Ramayana. Over the course of ten days, actors perform the story of Lord Rama, his exile, the abduction of Sita, and the battle against Ravana. The performance culminates on Vijayadashami with the burning of Ravana’s effigy, which is often stuffed with firecrackers, symbolizing the ultimate destruction of evil forces. This marks the climax of the festival, after which people celebrate with grand firework displays, songs, dances, and community feasts.
The symbolic burning of Ravana is not only a religious ritual but also a moment of catharsis for many people, who see it as an opportunity to rid themselves of negative emotions, behaviors, and harmful tendencies.
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Vijayadashami festival in Chhattisgarh (Bastar)
Meanwhile in Chhattisgarh, Bastar Dussehra is the longest celebration in the world, celebrated for 75 days. It is one of the famous celebrations in other countries. People also came to see Bastar Dussehra. Interestingly the local people do not celebrate the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Rather, the festivities and rituals pay homage to Goddess Danteshwari, one of the 52 Shakti Peeths existing in the country.
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Vijayadashami festival in Himachal Pradesh (Kullu)
Kullu Dussehra started after the other Dussehra ended. It’s celebrated for 7 days. Locals call Dashmi to this festival. The locals in Kullu carry out a procession wherein they carry the idols of different gods from their homes on their heads and to meet Lord Raghunath in the temple. Hundreds of gods are brought to the temple grounds on the day of Dussehra.
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Vijayadashami In Southern India: Ayudha Puja and Bommai Kolu
In southern India, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, Vijayadashami is often associated with Ayudha Puja, the worship of tools, weapons, books, and other instruments of knowledge and work. On this day, people honor their tools and instruments of their profession, acknowledging the importance of hard work, skill, and learning. In Tamil Nadu, families celebrate by arranging a display of dolls called Bommai Kolu, which are set up in a decorative display, often with intricate themes that reflect culture, religion, or history. The festival is also marked by grand processions and celebrations.
Similarly, in Mysore the festival is celebrate with greatness. On Vijayadashami the royal Durbar was open for locals. They decorate elephants, and with traditional music, they march in the city. Interestingly they do not burn Ravan in Dussehra. Dussehra in Mysore started as a cultural celebration about 600 years ago, initiated by the Vijayanagara emperors.
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Vijayadashami in West Bengal
In West Bengal cities like Kolkata, Bangalore,Odisha, Assam, is celebrated as Durga Puja. In brief it is also called Durga Puja or Durgotsava.The festival marks goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasur to restore and protect dharma. It is also celebrated to welcome the union of the Goddess Durga with her sons, Ganesh and Kartikeya, and husband, Lord Shiva. Notably the celebrations lasts for 6 days. This festival, ladies give goddess Durga sindur, bhog, flowers, etc. Ladies also play with sindur with each other with sindur.The festival lasts for several days, with elaborate worship of Goddess Durga, whose idols are meticulously crafted and adorned. On the 10th day, after prayers and rituals, the idols are taken in grand processions to rivers or lakes for idol immersion, signifying Durga’s return to her heavenly abode. This event is a vibrant, joyful celebration filled with music, dance, and community spirit. In Kolkata, Durga Puja is one of the most important cultural events of the year, attracting millions of visitors.
The Festival and Rituals:
Duration of the Festival:
- Navaratri: Vijayadashami is the culmination of the nine-night festival of Navaratri, which is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. During Navaratri, devotees engage in fasting, prayers, and devotional activities. Each of the nine nights is dedicated to a different aspect of Durga.
- The 10th Day: The 10th day, Vijayadashami, marks the final day of Navaratri and is celebrated with much grandeur, with rituals, prayers, and the burning of effigies.
Key Rituals and Celebrations:
- Ramlila: In many parts of India, particularly in the North, Ramlila (dramatic reenactments of the story of Ramayana) is performed over the course of ten days. These performances end on the evening of Vijayadashami with the burning of effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghanada, symbolizing the destruction of evil forces.
- Durga Puja: In the Eastern states, particularly Bengal, Vijayadashami is celebrated as the grand conclusion of Durga Puja. On this day, large idols of Goddess Durga, which are beautifully crafted and worshipped over the nine days of Navaratri, are immersed in water as a symbol of her return to her heavenly abode.
- Effigy Burning: One of the most iconic rituals of Vijayadashami is the burning of effigies of Ravana. The effigies are stuffed with firecrackers and set ablaze, symbolizing the destruction of evil. This is often accompanied by fireworks, traditional music, and dances, making the event a festive spectacle.
Symbolism and Cultural Importance:
- Victory of Good Over Evil: Vijayadashami is seen as a reminder that no matter how powerful evil may seem, good will always prevail. This timeless message is celebrated across all cultures, giving hope and optimism.
- Empowerment of Women: The worship of Goddess Durga during Vijayadashami is also a celebration of female power and energy (Shakti). It serves as a reminder of the role of women in bringing about change and overcoming adversities.
Social and Community Aspects:
- Bonding and Unity: Vijayadashami is not just a religious event but also a social occasion where families and communities come together. People visit each other’s homes, exchange sweets, and participate in local festivities, fostering unity.
- Educational Aspect: In many regions, Vijayadashami is considered an auspicious day to begin new ventures or to start learning something new. Children are often introduced to the world of learning on this day by starting their education, such as with the practice of Vidya Arambham (writing the first letter).
Vijayadashami in Modern Times:
Though Vijayadashami retains its traditional rituals, the festival has also evolved in contemporary India. While large, elaborate celebrations still take place in many cities, some people also mark the occasion in a more subdued manner, especially in urban areas where time constraints and modernization have affected traditional practices. Nevertheless, the core message of the festival—victory over evil—remains the same.
In conclusion, Vijayadashami is not just a festival but a profound celebration of values such as courage, righteousness, and devotion, transcending religious and regional boundaries to unite people in their shared belief in the triumph of good over evil.
Vijayadashami is more than a festival. Vijayadashami is the festival of the factory of good over evil. It is a celebration of life, virtue, and community. It teaches valuable lessons about resilience, justice, and the power of good.
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