Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi or Tenth day of Navrati, Dasara, Dashain or Durgotsav is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated in various forms across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. This year Dussehra will be celebrated on the 22 of October.
Dussehra signifies the victory of good over evil referring to Lord Rama’s victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana. According to the legend, Lord Rama killed Ravana to rescue his wife Sita from the clutches of the demon king. After a long battle lasting for ten days, Lord Rama defeated Ravana on the tenth and the final day called Vijayadashami.
During these 10 days Ramlila or plays and dramas based on Ramayana are performed. Usually the performances are timed to culminate on the Dussehra day, when the actors are taken out in a procession through the city, leading up to a mela ground or town square, where the enactment of the final battle takes place. Giant effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakaran and son Meghanath are set on fire, and coronation of Rama at Ayodhya takes place, marking the culmination of festivities and restoration of the divine order. The burning of the effigies, filled with firecrackers containing phosphorus, supposedly purifies the atmosphere. People put tika on forehead, perform prayers and religious rituals, immerse the idols, visit their relative’s homes and exchange gifts and sweets. Dussehra marks the beginning of the Autumn festive period.
Celebrations take place throughout India and can take many forms and include different traditions.
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