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Dussehra or Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival that is annually celebrated on the 10th day of Navaratri. The date for Dussehra 2023 is October 24th, when Indians celebrate good triumphing over evil. Dussehra is believed and observed to celebrate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana and Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasur all over India.
But do you know this major Hindu festival has various other significance, such as it is a symbol of the victory of good qualities such as righteousness, truth, and courage over evil traits like arrogance and greed? It is a time for people to come together, celebrate their culture, and strengthen their bonds with family and friends. Let’s dig deeper into this festival and understand its different aspects.
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Also Read: Happy Dussehra 2023: Top 10+ Sweets You Can Make and Distribute This Year!
History/ Background
The origin of Dussehra is deeply rooted in Hinduism. This festival is celebrated to commemorate several significant events from Hindu epics and history. The most significant historical event associated with Dussehra is the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. This story is detailed in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
In some parts of east and south India, Dussehra is associated with the goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, Mahishasura was a shape-shifting demon who wreaked havoc on the gods.
Apart from a religious context, Dussehra is also celebrated as a harvest festival, signifying the end of the agricultural season and the time for farmers to reap the fruits of their labour.
Also Read: Dussehra Holidays in School 2023
Why Do We Celebrate Dussehra?
The Dussehra celebration encourages us to embrace our good qualities such as courage, righteousness, unity, and forgiveness. It reminds us of the eternal battle between good and evil and encourages us to choose the path of righteousness in our own lives.
Dussehra marks the end of Lord Rama’s 14-year exile in the forest and his return to his kingdom of Ayodhya. In some parts of India, Dussehra is celebrated as the culmination of the nine-day Navaratri festival to honour the goddess Durga. It is believed that during these nine days, Goddess Durga battled and defeated the demon Mahishasura. Dussehra marks the tenth day, symbolizing her victory over evil.
Apart from the religious context, Dussehra also marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the festive season in India. It is a time for renewal, setting new goals, and starting fresh in various aspects of life.
Learn more about Why We Celebrate Dussehra.
Dussehra Date 2023
According to the Hindu calendar based on the Saka era, Dussehra will be celebrated on 24th October 2023. Every year, this festival is celebrated on the 10th day of Navaratri, where different types of celebration activities are done by people. Some of these activities are:
- Theatrical performances called ‘Ramlila’ are organised.
- Processions to a river or oceanfront carrying clay statues of Hindu deities like Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Ganesha, followed by music and chants.
- The burning of Ravana’s effigies is one of the most iconic traditions of this festival.
- Organising special pujas and Special pujas or ritual worshipping and devotees often perform aarti (ritual offering of light) to the deities.
- Exchanging gifts and well-wishes with friends and family as a gesture of goodwill and friendship.
Also Read: Dussehra 2024: When is Dussehra as Per Indian Calendar
Popular Dussehra Quotes and Wishes
There are several Dussehra quotes and wishes that are used to spread positive ideas of righteousness, truth, and virtue. Some of these quotes are listed below:
- ‘May Lord Rama light up your path to success and you win in every phase of life. Happy Dussehra.’
- ‘Let’s celebrate the triumph of virtue over vice and hope over despair. Happy Dussehra to you and your family!’
- ‘On this Dussehra, may you be blessed with happiness, success, and prosperity. Happy Dussehra!’
- ‘On this special day, as we celebrate valour and courage, the triumph of good over evil, wish you success and happiness in everything you do.’
Read more here Happy Dussehra 2023: Top 20+ Dussehra Quotes, Wishes, and Messages
What Do We Learn?
The primary lesson that we can learn from Dussehra is the victory of good over evil. According to Ramayana, a Hindu legend, Lord Rama defeats the demon king Ravana. This victory symbolises the triumph of righteousness, truth, and virtue over wickedness, deceit, and vice.
- This festival celebrates the courage and valour of individuals like Lord Rama and his allies who faced great challenges and adversity to uphold righteousness.
- It teaches us the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
- It encourages us to follow the path of dharma in our own lives, making ethical and moral choices.
- The festive spirit of Dussehra brings communities and families together.
- It teaches us the importance of unity and the strength that comes from standing together in times of need.
- The burning of Ravana’s effigy serves as a symbolic ritual to rid ourselves of inner demons, including negative traits like ego, anger, and greed.
- It teaches us the importance of self-reflection and personal growth.
Dussehra Drawing Ideas for Kids
Dussehra drawing ideas for kids can be a fun and educational way where they will get to learn about this festival while working on their creative skills. Drawing an effigy of Ravana is one of the most common Dussehra drawing ideas used in schools and institutions. Children can add colourful details and facial expressions to make it look interesting.
- A simple drawing of Lord Rama and Sita in their traditional attire can be a great way to depict the central characters of the Ramayana.
- Drawing an image of Goddess Durga riding her lion and slaying the demon Mahishasura.
- Writing the word ‘Vijayadashami’ in decorative letters and embellishing it with Dussehra-related drawings and symbols.
Dussehra Mela Activities
Dussehra Melas or fairs are popular during the festival season and offer various activities and entertainment for people of all ages. These meals are not only a source of enjoyment but also an opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and traditions associated with Dussehra.
- Food is a major attraction at Dussehra Melas. You can savour a wide variety of traditional Indian dishes, snacks, and sweets.
- Popular items often include chaat, samosas, jalebi, dosa, and more.
- Melas are excellent places to shop for clothing, jewellery, handicrafts, and other items.
- Melas often host cultural performances showcasing traditional music and dance forms.
- Some Melas feature street plays and skits that reenact scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana or Mahabharata.
Read more: Dussehra Mela 2023: Activities in Mela
Dussehra Board Decorations
Dussehra board decorations can be a great way for creative and festive projects, whether it’s for a classroom, office, or your own home. Select a particular Dussehra theme on which you want to decorate the board. Some of the popular themes include the victory of Good over Evil,’ Ramayana,’ ‘Durga Puja, or a more general ‘Dussehra Celebration.’
- Using traditional Dussehra colours like red, yellow, green, and orange to create an authentic and vibrant look.
- Cover the board with a colourful background paper or cloth that complements your chosen theme.
- Create a rangoli design at the bottom of the board to add an intricate and traditional touch.
- According to your theme, add pictures of Lord Rama, Goddess Durga, or other relevant deities and characters from the Ramayana or Mahabharata.
Popular Dussehra Sweets
Dussehra is a festival of celebration and feasting, and sweets are an integral part of the festivities. Here are some popular Dussehra sweets that you can enjoy during this auspicious day.
Jalebi
Gulab Jamun
Rasogolla
Malpua
Barfi
Laddoo
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FAQs
A1. According to the Hindu calendar based on the Saka era, Dussehra will be celebrated on 24 October 2023.
A2. Dussehra marks the end of Lord Rama’s 14-year exile in the forest and his return to his kingdom of Ayodhya. In some parts of India, Dussehra is celebrated as the culmination of the nine-day Navaratri festival to honour the goddess Durga
A3. Navaratri is a 9-day Hindu festival, which is celebrated and observed in honour of the Lord Rama and Goddess Durga. On the 10th day of this festival, Dussehra or Vijayadashami is celebrated all over India.
A4. Some of the popular Dussehra Sweets are
Jalebi, Gulab Jamun, Malpua, Barfi, Ladoo, etc. Rasogolla.
A5. Drawing of Lord Rama and Sita, writing the word ‘Vijayadashami’ in decorative letters, Drawing an image of Goddess Durga riding her lion, etc
Wishing you all a very Happy Dussehra! We hope that the blog highlights all interesting facts about Dussehra. For more related trending events, keep following Leverage Edu!