Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is one of the most prominent Hindu festivals which marks the end of Navratri, and is celebrated with great fervor every year. Across India, this festival signifies the victory of gods and goddesses over demons, to restore dharma. While the end of Ramlila is celebrated in the northern, western and southern states for the triumph of god Rama over the demon Ravana, in the eastern and northeastern states, it marks the end of Durga Puja, reminiscing goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon. On account of the victory of good over evil,
year Dussehra is celebrated with utmost zeal and enthusiasm. India is known for its diversity and varied culture, and this is why Dussehra is celebrated with different customs but with similar enthusiasm all over the country. The backbone of celebration of Dussehra is the Ramlila in Northern India. This ten day festive celebration showcases the tale of Ramayana by depicting scenes in the form of theatre, with the tenth day being the most important, which not only welcomes busting and bursting crackers, but people also indulge in Ravana Dahan- evil's destruction. On the occasion of Dussehra, we have listed 5 important facts that all of us must know about Dussehra.
The Ten Heads
It is a belief that Ravana, the demon, had ten heads. Lord Rama had to destroy each of the heads to defeat Ravana. These ten heads depict the 10 evil traits- lust, anger, ego, pride, selfishness, jealousy, injustice, material attachment, greed and lack of humanity.
Worship of Goddess Durga
Vijayadashami marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, the king of demons, who was very powerful during his period and tortured the innocent people, on the tenth day of the lunar calendar.
Significance of Navratri
'Navaratri' symbolizes the tale that God fought against evil for nine nights and ten days. This is why people across the country indulge in fasting and prayers throughout the 9 days to offer their prayers and faith to the God.
Derivation of 'Dusshera'
The tales impart the belief that during the war between God Rama and the demon ravana, the sun wouldn't have arisen if Rama had not defeated or destroyed Ravana. To symbolize this eminent occasion, the tenth day was named 'Dussehra', where Dussehra is derived from the Sanskrit word Dasha and Hara, which means defeat of the Sun.
Important Custom
A model of Ravana is made every year during the Navratri. On the tenth day, the model is burnt or lit up which marks the destruction of evil.
The festival of Dussehra began in the 17th century when the King of Mysore ordered his people to show enthusiasm and support towards the destruction of demons and celebrate the festival in a grand manner. 'Mysoru Dasara' is a major festival in Karnataka which seeks the highest quality of decoration, feasting and extreme participation. To make the decorations all the more beautiful, involve floral decorations with the help of flower shop in Bangalore, Karnataka. Meghaa Modi, provides flower delivery in Bangalore along with some mesmerizing floral decorations that are bound to uplift the aura of the occasion. So decorate your abode with beautiful flowers, which Bangalore is known for, and celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Happy Dussehra!