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Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a significant festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. It marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri festival and commemorates the victory of good over evil, drawing its inspiration from the epic Ramayana. This day celebrates the triumph of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, over the demon king Ravana, who had abducted Sita, Lord Rama's wife.
The defeat of Ravana symbolizes the victory of righteousness and the triumph of truth over falsehood. The festivities are characterized by diverse traditions and rituals, varying across different regions of India. One of the most prominent rituals is the immersion of clay idols of deities like Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya into water bodies. This act is accompanied by vibrant music, chants, and the joyous participation of devotees.
Another striking tradition is the burning of effigies of Ravana. This act, often accompanied by fireworks, represents the symbolic destruction of evil and the triumph of good. The burning of the effigy is a visual representation of the victory of Lord Rama and the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness).
Dussehra also holds significance as a precursor to Diwali, the festival of lights, which follows 20 days later. The celebrations of Dussehra carry forward the spirit of triumph and hope, setting the stage for the festivities of Diwali. Wishes shared during this time often express the desire for a prosperous future and the removal of obstacles.
Many quotes encapsulate the spirit of Dussehra and its message of triumph. Swami Vivekananda's words, "Let us celebrate the victory of righteousness over wrongdoing, truth over deception, and light over darkness," beautifully summarize the essence of the festival. Similarly, APJ Abdul Kalam's quote, "Dussehra reminds us that in the end, truth and righteousness will always prevail," serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring values that Dussehra embodies.
As families and friends come together to celebrate this festive occasion, the spirit of Dussehra fills hearts with love, joy, and strength. This festival is a time to reflect on the values of righteousness, truth, and the triumph of good over evil. Happy Dussehra!
Source: Dussehra 2024: Lord Rama's Triumph Over Ravana Reverberates Today