Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
Introduction
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, righteousness over unrighteousness, and truth over falsehood. The word “Dussehra” signifies the destruction of ten evils, represented by the ten heads of the demon king Ravana. In northern India, the festival commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana after a fierce battle, while in eastern and southern India, it marks the conclusion of Navratri and celebrates Goddess Durga’s triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Both narratives converge on the same universal theme of the inevitable defeat of evil.
When It Is Celebrated
Dussehra falls on the Dashami (tenth day) of Shukla Paksha in Ashvina month of the Hindu calendar, corresponding to September or October in the Gregorian calendar. It immediately follows the nine nights of Sharad Navratri, marking the tenth day of the festival cycle. Ramlila performances, which dramatize episodes from the Ramayana, conclude on this day after running through the Navratri period. Dussehra also marks the beginning of the countdown to Diwali, which follows exactly twenty days later, celebrating Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya.
Mythological Story
According to the Ramayana, the ten-headed demon king Ravana of Lanka abducted Goddess Sita through deception. Lord Rama, accompanied by his brother Lakshmana and the Vanara (monkey) army led by Hanuman, waged war against Ravana to rescue Sita. After nine days of fierce battle, on the tenth day, Rama performed the Akal Bodhan (untimely invocation) of Goddess Durga to obtain divine strength and vanquished Ravana. This victory is celebrated as Vijayadashami. In the parallel tradition from the Devi Mahatmya, Goddess Durga, empowered by all the gods, fought the shape-shifting demon Mahishasura for nine nights and slew him on the tenth day. In Bengal, this day is marked by the immersion of Durga idols and the Sindoor Khela ceremony where married women apply vermillion to each other.
Rituals and Celebrations
On Dussehra morning, Shastra Puja (worship of weapons and tools) and the veneration of the Shami tree are performed. In the Kshatriya tradition, arms, vehicles, and instruments of one’s profession are worshipped. Aparajita Devi is worshipped for victory and success. In northern India, the evening features the dramatic burning of massive effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghanada (Indrajit), preceded by the final act of Ramlila enacting the battle between Rama and Ravana. Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, Varanasi’s Ramnagar Ramlila (a month-long tradition dating back over two centuries), and the Kullu Dussehra (a week-long celebration featuring processions of local deities) are especially renowned. In Bengal, Dhunuchi Naach (incense dance), Sindoor Khela, and the grand immersion processions of Durga idols mark the occasion. The Mysuru Dasara is world-famous for its royal procession featuring a golden howdah atop a decorated elephant.
Significance
The spiritual message of Dussehra is universal and timeless: no matter how powerful evil may seem, truth and righteousness ultimately prevail. The burning of Ravana’s effigy symbolizes the destruction of the ten inner vices — lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride, jealousy, ego, laziness, violence, and theft — encouraging introspection and moral renewal. The festival is also considered one of the most auspicious days for new beginnings, making it ideal for starting new ventures, learning, or journeys. Shastra Puja teaches the responsible and righteous use of power and tools. Vijayadashami reminds us that those who walk the path of dharma, no matter the hardships they face, are destined for ultimate victory.