ABC News’ Ashan Singh tells us all about the Hindu holiday celebrating rebirth, renewal and the triumph of good over evil.
Hinduism is a religion that is deeply rooted in traditions and rituals. One of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Hinduism is the festival of Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami. This auspicious occasion is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by Hindus all over the world. It marks the triumph of good over evil and the victory of light over darkness.
To understand the significance of Dussehra, we spoke to Ashan Singh, a Hindu scholar and cultural expert, who shared with us the essence of this festival. According to Singh, Dussehra is a celebration of rebirth, renewal, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It is a time to reflect on our actions and strive towards becoming better individuals.
The festival of Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, which falls in the months of September or October according to the Gregorian calendar. The word ‘Dussehra’ is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Dasha’ meaning ten and ‘hara’ meaning defeat. It is believed that on this day, Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, defeated the demon king Ravana and rescued his wife Sita from his clutches. This victory symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the importance of righteousness.
The festival of Dussehra is celebrated in various ways across different regions of India. In the northern parts of the country, it is celebrated as the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, while in the eastern parts, it is celebrated as the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. In the southern parts of India, it is celebrated as the day when Goddess Chamundeshwari killed the demon Mahishasura. Despite the different interpretations, the essence of the festival remains the same – the victory of good over evil.
The celebrations of Dussehra begin with the Navratri festival, which lasts for nine days. During this time, devotees worship different forms of Goddess Durga and seek her blessings. On the tenth day, the effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghnad are burnt in a symbolic representation of the victory of good over evil. This ritual is known as ‘Ravana Dahan’ and is a major attraction of the festival.
Apart from the religious significance, Dussehra also holds a cultural significance. It is a time when people come together to celebrate and spread joy. The festival is marked by vibrant processions, music, dance, and delicious food. It is a time when families and friends gather to exchange gifts and sweets, strengthening their bonds and spreading love and happiness.
Singh also emphasized the importance of the message behind Dussehra. He said, “Dussehra teaches us to let go of our ego and embrace humility. It reminds us that no matter how powerful evil may seem, it will always be defeated by the power of good. It is a reminder to always choose the path of righteousness and stand up against injustice.”
In addition to the celebrations, Dussehra also holds a significant place in the hearts of Hindus as it marks the beginning of the festive season. It is followed by Diwali, the festival of lights, which is celebrated with equal enthusiasm and joy. The festival of Dussehra also holds a special place in the hearts of children, who eagerly wait for the Ravana effigies to be burnt and enjoy the festivities with their families.
In conclusion, Dussehra is a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. It is a time to reflect on our actions and strive towards becoming better individuals. The festival not only holds religious significance but also brings people together, spreading love, joy, and happiness. As we celebrate Dussehra this year, let us remember the message it carries and strive towards making this world a better place.