Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India. It marks the triumph of good over evil and carries a deep spiritual and cultural significance for people across the country. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, uniting people from different regions, traditions and backgrounds in its spirit of victory, hope and righteousness.

The history of Dussehra is rooted in ancient Indian history. According to the great epic Ramayana, Dussehra symbolizes the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. Ravana, despite his great wisdom and power, became blinded by arrogance and unrighteousness. When he kidnapped Goddess Sita, Lord Rama waged a battle to rescue her and ultimately defeated Ravana on the tenth day. This day came to be known as Vijayadashami – the day of victory. In another belief from Hindu tradition, the festival also celebrates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the power of good forces defeating evil and protecting the balance of the universe.

The celebration of Dussehra varies across India and each region has its own unique way of observing the occasion. In North India, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, large-scale Ram Leela performances are organized. These are dramatic re-enactments of the life of Lord Rama, culminating in the burning of tall effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran. The spectacle of these effigies going up in flames amidst cheers and fireworks symbolizes the destruction of evil.

In West Bengal, Dussehra is celebrated as the final day of the grand Durga Puja festival. It marks the day when Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura. On this day, idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in rivers and lakes with immense devotion and emotional farewell, while people chant “Asche bochor abar hobe” (It will happen again next year). This blend of devotion, art, music and celebration makes it one of the most vibrant forms of Dussehra.

In the southern states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Dussehra is celebrated with equal grandeur. The Mysuru Dasara is world famous, where the Mysore Palace is illuminated beautifully and a grand procession featuring decorated elephants, horses and traditional music takes place. In Tamil Nadu andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka, families celebrate the festival by arranging Bommai Golu (doll displays), where steps are decorated with dolls and figurines representing gods, goddesses and cultural themes.

In Western India, particularly in Gujarat, the festival coincides with the Navratri celebrations, where people perform Garba and Dandiya Raas dances late into the night, celebrating devotion, joy and togetherness. In Maharashtra, families exchange Apta leaves as a symbol of gold, wishing prosperity and good fortune.

The importance of Dussehra lies not just in its rituals and celebrations but also in the timeless message it conveys. It reminds us that no matter how powerful evil may appear, it can never triumph over truth, goodness and righteousness. The festival teaches values of courage, patience and justice, encouraging people to follow the path of virtue in their daily lives. It also marks the preparation for Diwali, which follows twenty days later, symbolizing the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya.

Dussehra is, therefore, more than a festival – it is a reminder of the eternal struggle between good and evil that continues within every individual and society. By celebrating it, people renew their faith in moral values, harmony and hope. The flames of Ravana’s effigy or the immersion of Goddess Durga may mark the end of the celebrations, but the spirit of Dussehra continues to live in the hearts of people, inspiring them to let goodness shine brighter than darkness.

By: Mr. Faraz Ahmed Siddiqui (Manager – Jaipur)