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Dussehra, often referred to as Vijaya Dashami or Dasara, is a very colorful Indian holiday. It’s considered a very important day with lots of old customs, big celebrations and a very colorful history. Let’s look more closely at this wonderful party!

The Story behind Dussehra : marking the triumph of good over evil

The story of Lord Rama’s win over Ravana, the king of demons with ten heads, is at the very heart of Dussehra signifying the victory of good over evil. The holiday honors the victory of good over evil. The celebrations of this festival still carry the sounds of this win.

During Dussehra, people in the southern part of India, especially in Karnataka, also remember how Goddess Chamundeshwari defeated the bull demon Mahishasura. It’s a proof of how strong the holy feminine is. In Karnataka, this part of Dussehra is marked with great enthusiasm. The Mysore Dasara is a grand show including a beautiful procession of elephants in chains, dance performances and a stunning light show.

Burning out the effigies marking a Sign of Victory

The burning of effigies is one of the most looked forward to parts of the festival. Huge statues of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna are put up in many parts of India. These huge effigies, which are often made with great care, represent the evil that we all need to fight. The fires that are burning out these figures are a sign of the defeat of evil forces. As the sky lights up with the burning glow of the effigies, the people are happy indicating that right has won. People in the community feel a great sense of success and hope on this day which is a strong indicator of good triumphing over bad.

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The Harvest season beings

Dussehra is not just about myths and effigies; it is also an indicator that marks the end of the rainy season and start of the crop season. There is no time better than Dussehra to start the harvest, since the fields are now dry from the rain and ready for planting new crops. It is a pretty unique and a multifaceted holiday as it brings together farming and faith.

Celebrating Dussehra in the East

Dussehra coincides with the Durga Puja festival which is celebrated with great fun and enthusiasm in eastern part of the country with West Bengal, Odisha and Assam being the prime examples of states with high enery, octane and celebrations. . Durga Puja is a big festival honoring the different incarnations of Durga. The area is even more festive and radiant because of all these festivals happening at the same time. At this time, people in the area work together to honor the goddess by building beautiful pandals and praying to them.

There are processions, native music and dance shows in the streets. A sweet smell of incense and the joyful sound of chants fill the air making a unique mix of cultural festivals.

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Beauty of Bommai Kolu in Tamil Nadu

When people in the southern state of Tamil Nadu celebrate Dussehra, they partake in a fun event called “Bommai Kolu.” Dolls and figurines are put together in a very elaborate and artistic display as part of a very old tradition. These bright, small figurines are carefully set up by families on stair-like arrangements called “padis.” The displays have a different theme with each passing year and a way to descibe legendary stories and scenes from everyday life. It is a very beautiful and unique way to celebrate Dussehra, and people are so excited to celebrate the mega event with for their friends and family to enjoy together.

Embark on the true spirit of Dussehra which is for everyone

Dussehra is a holiday that very aptly describes India’s rich cultural tapestry in a unique and beautiful way. This is a time to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, welcoming the harvest season and basking in the glory of different customs. The air is filled with the smell of lip smacking foods and stores are packed with people looking for the right gift or items of decoration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the time of Dashami Puja in 2023?

Events	Date and Day	Time Start	Time End
Dashami Tithi Begins	23 October 2023, Monday	5:44 PM
Dashami Tithi Ends	24 October 2023, Tuesday		12:00 PM
Vijay Muhurata	24 October 2023, Tuesday	2:18 PM	3:05 PM
Aparahna Puja Time	24 October 2023, Tuesday	1:32 PM	3:51 PM

Q2: Is Dussehra a big Holiday?

• Dussehra is one of the biggest festivals in India. It marks the end of Navaratri which is  nine-day long celebration dedicated to the warrior goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. Dussehra also marks the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana.

Q3: Which bird is considered lucky in Dussehra?

• It is often said that seeing Neelkanth bird and worshipping Shami tree on the day of Dussehra can bring prosperity and luck to your life.