Why Dussehra Is Celebrated: Meaning, Story & Rituals of Vijayadashami

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, is a vibrant festival celebrated across India, although with regional variations. The essence of the festival, however, remains consistent: the triumph of good over evil.

North Indian Celebrations

In most of North India, Dussehra signifies the culmination of Ramleela, a dramatic re-enactment of the life of Lord Rama. It commemorates Lord Rama’s decisive victory over the demon king Ravana. This auspicious festival falls in the Sharad Ritu of the Hindu calendar, immediately following the nine-day Navratri festival.

Symbolic Practices in India

A prominent tradition on Dussehra in India involves the burning of effigies of Ravana, his younger brother Kumbhakaran, and his son Meghnad. This act is symbolic, representing the burning away of evil forces and the ultimate victory of positivity over negativity.

Interestingly, some regional customs add another layer to the celebrations. In certain parts of India, sisters place Norte (dhan leaves) on their brothers’ ears, praying for their well-being. Conversely, some communities also revere Ravana on Dussehra evening, acknowledging him as a great scholar (Mahagyani) and Brahmin.

Some Brahmin communities in North India worship Ravana, recognizing his immense devotion to Lord Shiva. In the evenings, they fashion ten small heads of Ravana from cow dung, offer khichdi and water, and light a diya nearby to honor his wisdom.

India celebrates Lord Rama’s triumph in a truly grand style. For the entire month leading up to Dussehra, artists perform Ramlila, bringing his story to life. Temples are beautifully adorned with flowers and diyas, and in some areas, you’ll also find elaborate pandals dedicated to Goddess Durga. All things considered, Dussehra is genuinely one of the most delightful and extraordinary celebrations imaginable.

How Dussehra is celebrated in the other parts of India:

Mysore

Mysore celebrates Dussehra as Mysuru Dasara, its most prominent festival. This auspicious occasion honors Goddess Chamundeshwari, an avatar of Goddess Durga, for her victory over the demon Mahishasura. The city transforms into a magical wonderland, beautifully illuminated for the festivities.

On the tenth day, a grand procession, featuring the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari atop an elephant adorned in a golden canopy, travels from the Mysore Palace to the Bannimantap.

Andhra Pradesh

In Andhra Pradesh, Dasara is marked by the installation of massive idols of Goddess Durga Devi, with prayers offered to her nine distinct forms over nine nights. Aayudha Pooja is another significant event. The festival also involves pilgrimages to various temples across the state, most notably the Kanaka Durga Ammavaaru temple in Vijayawada and the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala.

West Bengal

In West Bengal, Dussehra is known as Bijoya Doshomi, standing as the most significant festival in the region. Throughout the Navratri period, people partake in “pandal hopping”—visiting elaborate temporary shrines—and indulge in a diverse selection of delicious foods, notably including non-vegetarian dishes, which contrasts with the dietary restrictions often observed in other parts of India during this time.

Bijoya Doshomi Celebrations

On Bijoya Doshomi, the idols of the gods are immersed in water during a grand procession. A unique ritual called “Sindoor Khela” takes place, where married women greet each other by applying vermilion (sindoor) to one another’s faces. This act symbolizes good luck and a long, happy married life. This ritual follows the offering of sweets and sindoor to the Devi Durga idol. After the immersion, younger individuals seek blessings from their elders by touching their feet, and in return, the elders offer sweets as a gesture of love and blessings.

Nepalese Connection

Dussehra is also celebrated in parts of Nepal, a tradition often linked to the belief that Sitaji, Lord Rama’s wife, hailed from the Nepalese dynasty.

Many Nepalese communities have resided in India for decades, given our shared border. This strong connection is also reflected in the celebration of several Nepalese festivals within India, particularly since Sita is said to have hailed from Nepal.

In Nepal, Vijaya Dashami is known as Dashain. This significant festival is a time for family reunions, with younger generations visiting their elders and distant relatives returning home. Even students take the opportunity to meet their schoolteachers during Dashain. A cherished tradition involves elders blessing younger family members with a tilak on their foreheads.