Vijayadashami

Fête de Dusshera

विजयादशमी सरस्वतीपूजन

(1) Vijaya Dashami The art work India October 2013

Durga Idol Immersion - Baja Kadamtala Ghat - Kolkata 2012-10-24 1343

Dashain Tika 02

Vijayadashami also known as Dussehra is a major Hindu festival celebrated at the end of Navaratri every year. It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian subcontinent. In the eastern and northeastern states of India, Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja, remembering goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura to help restore Dharma. In the northern, southern, and western states, the festival is synonymously called Dussehra. In these regions, it marks the end of "Ramlila" and remembers God Rama's victory over the Ravana. On the very same occasion, Arjuna alone decimated more than 100,000 soldiers and defeated all Kuru warriors including Bhishma, Drona, Ashwatthama, Karna, and Kripa, a feat considered impossible by other warriors. It is also a point of re-enacting the victory of Durga over the demon Mahishasura.

Origins and History

The origins of Vijayadashami are rooted in the ancient texts of Hinduism, such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. According to these texts, the festival commemorates the victory of good over evil. The name 'Vijayadashami' itself is derived from the Sanskrit words "Vijaya" (victory) and "Dashami" (tenth), indicating the festival is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin, which falls in September or October.

Celebrations and Rituals

Vijayadashami is celebrated with great fervor across the Indian subcontinent. The celebrations vary regionally:

In Northern India

In the north, the festival culminates the performances of the Ramlila, which is a dramatic re-enactment of the Ramayana. Effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnad are burnt to symbolize the victory of good over evil.

In Western India

In states like Gujarat, the festival is celebrated with the dance form Garba and Dandiya Raas, which are performed during Navaratri. The last day is celebrated as Vijayadashami, signifying the victory of good over evil.

In Southern India

In the south, especially in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, the festival is celebrated as the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The day is also significant for starting new ventures, education, and other skill-based activities, as it is considered an auspicious day for such beginnings.

In Eastern India

In the eastern states like West Bengal, Vijayadashami is synonymous with the end of Durga Puja, where the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water bodies, symbolizing her return to her husband's home. This marks the victory of Durga over Mahishasura.

Significance

Vijayadashami is a reminder of the victory of good over evil. It encourages moral reflection about one's life, actions, and responsibilities. It is also a time for visiting friends and family and exchanging gifts.

Environmental Impact

The festival has faced criticism for its environmental impact, particularly the practice of idol immersion and the burning of effigies, which contribute to water and air pollution. Efforts are being made to adopt more environmentally friendly practices.

See Also

• Navaratri
• Durga Puja
• Ramlila
• Diwali

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