The Festival of vijayadashami/ Dussehra (दशहरा)

Dusshera commonly called Vijayadashmi is one of the auspicious Hindu festivals. It marks the conclusion of the Navratri festival with the immerse of the idol of Maa Durga. An end to dancing on the beats of dandiya night for nine nights. But it is the beginning of a series of fascinated festivals.

Dusshera is the festival signifying the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana that is the good wins over the evil. Every year it is celebrated on the tenth day of Kartik month (as per Hindu calendar). Celebration of this festival is with much enthusiasm and happiness in India.

Proudly a second Dusshera for my baby. I am very excited about it. Unfortunately, the current pandemic situation demands an end to Ramlila and so to its ultimate fun. This year it is probable that no towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghanada will be witnessed by us. Even the eye-catching street market pomp and show is not there. But one thing is right that the kids are watching epic Ramayana on their television and enjoying our Indian history and traditions.

For me seeing the burning of the statue of Ravana is not essential then to kill the evil in myself. As it is rightly said that “ Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Therefore, let us all burn that one evil in ourself that will make our society a better place to live.

Dusshera is a public holiday which is why not celebrated in schools. Kids enjoy helping the mothers in pooja decorations. They love to dress in their best outfits for the occasion. Dusshera pooja primarily includes worshipping the tools and equipment that are the part of earning our livelihood. Also, the sister does ‘teeka’ ceremony, followed by offering sweets to their brother(s). In it, the sister put the jaun on the right ear of their brother and pray for them.

Further, every family member do parikrama enchanting the tune and showering the jaun all around the idol of Ravana:

उत्तर का नीर।

दक्षिण का चीर।।

पूरब का बर्दा।

पश्चिम् का घोडा।।

     श्रीरामचन्द्र जी का पायता ही पायता।