Why Do We Celebrate Dusshera? The Legends and Traditions Explained

Dusshera, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. It marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri festival and carries deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance.

Significance of Dusshera

The festival has two major legends associated with it:

1. Victory of Lord Rama over Ravana: In Hindu mythology, Lord Rama defeated the ten-headed demon king Ravana, who had abducted his wife, Sita. Dusshera marks the day Rama’s triumph was achieved, reminding us that good always prevails, no matter how powerful evil seems.

   
   

2. Victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura: In some parts of India, especially in Bengal, Dusshera is celebrated as Vijayadashami, honoring the goddess Durga, who defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura after a fierce battle lasting nine days.

   
   

How It Is Celebrated

• Effigy burning: In Northern India, huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakarna are burnt to mark the victory of good over evil.

  
  

• Durga idol immersion: In Bengal and eastern India, the day is marked by immersing the idols of Durga in water, symbolizing her return to Mount Kailash.

  
  

• Fairs and drama performances: The Ram-Leela, a dramatic enactment of the Ramayana, is performed across the country, leading up to Dusshera.

  
  

Interesting Facts About Dusshera

1. 10-headed effigies: The name "Dusshera" comes from "Dasha" (ten) and "Hara" (defeat), representing the defeat of Ravana’s 10 heads.

   
   

2. Changing effigy sizes: Some places in India, like Delhi and Varanasi, compete to create the tallest Ravana effigy each year, with heights often exceeding 60 feet.

   
   

3. Nepal’s Dusshera: Dusshera is not only celebrated in India but also observed with great enthusiasm in Nepal, where it is called Dashain.

   
   

4. Kullu Dusshera: In Himachal Pradesh, the festival lasts for seven days, featuring grand processions and celebrations unlike the usual one-day festivities elsewhere.

Beyond the celebrations, Dusshera carries profound life lessons:

1. Victory of Good over Evil: It teaches that righteousness will always triumph over wickedness, even if the odds seem unfavorable.

   
   

2. Destruction of Ego: The burning of Ravana is a reminder to let go of ego and arrogance, as these are barriers to personal growth.

   
   

3. Inner Strength and Perseverance: Whether it’s Rama fighting Ravana or Durga defeating Mahishasura, the festival teaches us the value of patience, perseverance, and inner strength.

   
   

Dusshera teaches us the timeless lesson that no matter how dark times may seem, good always triumphs over evil. It is a celebration of courage, righteousness, and the strength to defeat inner demons.