Dussehra: Date, Time, History and Significance

Dussehra is one of the most important Hindu festivals, commemorating Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, the demonic ruler who kidnapped Rama's wife, Sita. This day, also known as Vijayadashami  comes after the Navratri celebration, which lasts for nine days.

Dussehra is a Sanskrit term that means "ten (dasha) defeat (hara)" in English, since demon King Ravana is known to have ten heads. This day falls on the 10th day of the month of Ashvina in the Hindu calendar, which corresponds to September-October in the Gregorian calendar. Dussehra will be celebrated on the 15th of October this year on Friday.

Why Dussehra is celebrated: History & Significance

Ravana abducted Lord Rama's wife, according to mythology, resulting in a deadly conflict between them. Lord Brahma granted the Demonic King Ravana the gift of indestructibility. Rama killed Ravana by firing an arrow through his belly button after a series of incidents. As a result, every year on the 10th day of the Hindu calendar's Ashvina month, Dussehra is celebrated.

There's an additional legend associated with this event. This day also commentates Arjuna's single-handed victory over the whole Kaurava Army, according to Mahabharat. Because Arjuna is also known as Vijaya, the day he defeated the army is celebrated as the ‘Vijaya Dashami.'

Many people across the nation commemorate this day to honour the victory of good over evil. This day is marked by devotees in the eastern regions of India as the end of Durga Puja that begins with the Navratri celebration.

Dussehra Celebrations throughout India

Devotees in northern India wear new clothes and organize public celebrations to commemorate the victory of good over evil on this day. Dussehra, which marks the end of the nine-day Navratri fast, is commemorated by performing a dramatic enactment of Rama's life narrative known as Ram Lila. The effigies of Ravana, his son Meghanada, and brother Kumbhakaran are then set ablaze in open fields across the country.

This day marks the completion of Durga Puja, which is commemorated by wearing a red saree and applying vermilion in the Eastern Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. Bengalis sing traditional songs while immersing the idols of Goddess Durga in water bodies on this emotional occasion.

Best Places to Celebrate Dussehra in India 

• Delhi

• Haryana

• Uttar Pradesh

• West Bengal

• Bihar