DUSSEHRA SAMRAI RAVAN DEHAN
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Dussehra is the final day of the Navaratri festival, one of the major Hindu religion festivals celebrated across India. It is essentially a battle of good versus evil, whereby the evil is depicted by the demon Ravana.
All over India, and especially in the North, huge Ravana effigies are built in central areas of cities and towns. As the sun goes down, the effigies are set on fire, creating a massive display of fireworks.
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India and other parts of South Asia. It marks the triumph of good over evil and is observed on the tenth day of the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin, which typically falls in September or October.
The festival holds great significance and is associated with various mythological stories. One of the most famous tales behind Dussehra is the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, as recounted in the Hindu epic, Ramayana. It symbolizes the victory of righteousness and truth over evil forces.
Celebrations often begin with several days of Navratri, a festival honoring the nine forms of the goddess Durga. During these nine nights, people observe fasting, perform traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya, and offer prayers to different incarnations of the goddess.
On the tenth day, which is Dussehra, effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnad are burnt in open grounds to symbolize the triumph of good over evil. This event, known as Ravana Dahan, is accompanied by festive gatherings, cultural performances, and fairs in many parts of the country.
In addition to the symbolic burning of effigies, Dussehra celebrations also involve processions, religious rituals, feasting on traditional foods, exchanging gifts, and enjoying various cultural events. It's a time of joy, unity, and the celebration of the victory of righteousness.
The story behind Dussehra primarily revolves around the epic Ramayana, one of the most revered Hindu scriptures. The festival commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, signifying the triumph of good over evil.
The tale begins with the virtuous and noble prince, Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is exiled from his kingdom along with his wife, Sita, and his loyal brother, Lakshmana. During their exile, Sita gets abducted by Ravana, the powerful and arrogant demon king of Lanka (present-day Sri Lanka), who has ten heads and possesses immense strength and knowledge.
Ravana takes Sita to his kingdom in Lanka, where he keeps her captive in his palace, despite her steadfast refusal to submit to him. Upon learning about Sita's abduction, Rama, with the help of Hanuman (the monkey god) and an army of monkeys and bears led by the monkey warrior, Sugriva, sets out to rescue her.
After numerous challenges, including crossing the ocean with the help of the monkey army and building a bridge (known as Ram Setu) to reach Lanka, Rama confronts Ravana in a fierce battle. The war between Rama's forces and Ravana's army is waged for days.
The climax of the battle occurs on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Dussehra. In this epic showdown, Rama, aided by his divine bow and arrows, fights valiantly against Ravana. In a moment of divine intervention, Rama manages to slay Ravana, thereby ending his reign of terror.
The victory of Rama over the demon king Ravana symbolizes the victory of righteousness, truth, and dharma (duty) over the forces of evil and adharma (unrighteousness). It exemplifies the importance of upholding moral values and principles even in the face of adversity.
Upon the triumphant return of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to their kingdom of Ayodhya, the people joyously welcome them by lighting rows of lamps, known as "diyas," symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and the beginning of a new era of peace and prosperity. This event is celebrated as Diwali, which usually follows a few weeks after Dussehra.
Dussehra is not only a celebration of Rama's victory but also a reminder of the eternal battle between good and evil, urging individuals to embrace righteousness and virtuousness in their lives.
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