The very mention of Dussehra evokes joy and enthusiasm. This ten-day grand celebration, primarily for Hindus but embraced by all, typically occurs in September or October, coinciding with the transition to autumn. During this season, the sky transforms into vivid blue with fluffy white clouds, and a gentle coolness graces the fresh wind.
The Role of Women in Dussehra
Dussehra is more than just a victory tale—it is also a powerful celebration of women’s strength and resilience. Goddess Durga’s triumph is often viewed as the ultimate example of women’s empowerment.
Kumari Puja is a symbolic ritual in which a young girl under ten is worshipped as a living embodiment of the Goddess, thereby reinforcing reverence for feminine power.
In Durga Puja festivities, women participate in rituals like Sindoor Khela (vermillion play), highlighting solidarity and the sacredness of womanhood.
Regional Variations in Celebrations
India’s cultural diversity is reflected in the many ways Dussehra is celebrated:
Eastern India (Durga Puja):
Bengal, Assam, and Odisha worship Goddess Durga in elaborately decorated pandals, with rituals, cultural performances, and artistic displays.
Northern & Central India (Ramlila & Dussehra):
The epic of Ramayana is enacted as Ramlila, culminating in the burning of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad.
Western India (Navratri & Garba):
Gujarat and Maharashtra come alive with nine nights of garba and dandiya, where people dance in traditional attire.
Southern India:
Families arrange Bommai Golu (doll displays) in Tamil Nadu, while Mysore hosts the grand Mysuru Dasara, featuring royal processions and cultural showcases.
History behind the Celebration of Dussehra
To truly comprehend the significance of Dussehra, we must delve into Hindu mythology, as documented in our ancient scriptures like the Puranas. The tale unfolds with the demon Mahishasura, an evil minotaur, receiving a boon from Lord Brahma, which grants him immunity from being killed by any male in the universe. Disregarding females as a potential threat, he exploited his newfound power to launch an assault on heaven, nearly defeating all the gods. To counter this menace, the gods turned to Adi Shakti, the female goddess of power, who assumed the form of Devi Durga with her ten arms. It took ten days of intense battle, putting the survival of every being in the universe at stake, but eventually, Devi, the Goddess, emerged victorious. The simple conclusion: “Good always triumphs over evil.” Yet, there is more to it. Dussehra exemplifies ultimate women’s empowerment. Perhaps to prove this, a part of the ritual is the ‘Kumari Puja’, where a girl under the age of ten is chosen by the Hindu purohit to be worshipped as a Goddess.
The significance of Dussehra
Dussehra is celebrated with diverse significance, reflecting India’s rich culture and traditions. In the eastern part of India, it is known as Durga Puja, while the central region celebrates it as Dussehra, with Lord Rama worshipping Devi Durga to vanquish the ten-headed demon Ravana. In other parts of India, it is referred to as Navaratri. Regardless of whether it’s Devi Durga riding a lion or Devi Amba astride a tiger, the message remains consistent: the Goddess had to intervene to rescue and protect the world, symbolising the triumph of righteousness over evil.
Millions of people commemorate this festival over ten days. During the first nine days of Navaratri, people abstain from consuming tamasic foods like onions, garlic, non-vegetarian fare, and alcohol. Throughout the night, “Jagran ” takes place, with individuals chanting mantras and singing praises for the Goddess. Women, especially from households and neighbourhoods, participate fervently, and the air reverberates with the chant of “Jai Mata Di.”
On the final day of the celebration, enormous effigies of Ravana, often towering over 10-15 feet, are set ablaze to symbolise the victory over evil. In Durga Puja pandals, women express their reverence for the Goddess by offering sweets and celebrate women’s empowerment by applying red vermillion to each other. The colour red signifies purity, strength, love, and womanhood. The atmosphere on the tenth day takes on a sombre tone as it brings curtains down to the festival and the bittersweet farewell to the beloved Goddess affectionately known as “Uma.” Women shed tears as though parting with their own daughters returning to their in-laws’ home. This poignant ritual blurs the boundaries between divinity and humanity, uniting them as a singular entity.
Conclusion
For Indians, Dussehra goes beyond buying new clothes, indulging in delicacies, or taking a break from daily mundane routines. It is a festival dedicated to celebrating women and their attributes, their strength, and their strategic prowess in conquering life’s battles. It also symbolises a mother’s love and protection, capable of addressing any challenge with her two hands—whether confronting injustice or nurturing a child with unwavering love. Dussehra is a recognition of the multifaceted roles that women play in life as they confront their personal demons each day and emerge victorious.
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FAQs:
1. Why is Dussehra also called Vijayadashami?
It’s called Vijayadashami because it falls on the 10th day (Dashami) and marks the victory (Vijaya) of good over evil.
2. What’s the difference between Dussehra and Durga Puja?
- Dussehra: Celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana (mostly in North India).
- Durga Puja: Celebrates Goddess Durga’s win over Mahishasura (mainly in Bengal and East India).
Both festivals remind us that good always wins in the end.
3. Why do women play with sindoor (vermillion) during Durga Puja?
Sindoor Khela is a ritual where married women smear vermillion on each other, symbolizing strength, fertility, sisterhood, and blessings for long marital life.
4. How long do Dussehra celebrations last?
The celebrations span ten days, starting with Navratri (nine nights) and concluding with Vijayadashami, the grand day of victory.
What does the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura symbolize?
It symbolizes the power of truth, justice, and feminine energy. The story reinforces that strength is not just physical but also spiritual and mora
