Hinduism: Details about 'Dussehra'
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Dussehra (also transliterated as Dasara) or Vijaya Dasami is an important Hindu festival. It is celebrated by Indians every year in the Hindu Vikrami Calendar month of Ashwin (September / October).
The LegendThis day marks the triumph of Lord Rama over Demon king Ravana. On this day, Rama killed Ravana. Rama was asked to go on exile because his stepmother, Queen Kaikeyee was tricked into asking King Dasaratha to exile him for 14 years. Rama's wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana went with him willingly. News of Rama staying at an ashmram while on exile spread rapidly. A demon, Shoorpanakha found her way there and demanded that Rama or Lakshmana marry her. When both brothers rejected her, she threatened to kill Sita, so that Rama would then be single again. Lakshmana then cut off her ears and nose. Shoorpanakha's brother was the demon King Ravana. Ravana was incensed to hear what happened to his sister, and kidnapped Sita to avenge the insult. The Ramayana chronicles Rama's travels and deeds as he searched for his wife, and defeated evil. CelebrationsOn this day, people spend the day decorating the entrances of houses & shops with flower studded strings called 'Torans' (Floral Gateways). At night, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran and Meghanad are stuffed with firecrackers and set alight. Children expecially enjoy seeing this because of the beautiful fireworks on the ground. The festival, which is thought of as the 'Victory of Good over Evil' and "Return of Rama from Exile' is celebrated in grand style. Because the day is auspicious, people inaugurate new vehicles, machineries, books, weapons and tools by ceremonially asking god to bless the new items. Different Celebrations in Different Parts of South AsiaDussehra is celebrated in various ways in different parts of South Asia. In Bengal, the festival is celebrated as Kali Puja or Durga Puja, while in Tamil Nadu, the festival incorporates worship of the goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Shakti. Some people feel that Dussehra and Dasara are not simply different transliterations of the same word, but two different festivals. Dasara is the festival marking end of Navratri and the immersion of Durga idols which are worshipped for nine days prior to Dussehra. Dussehra is also the day when many families start formal education of their kids. The practise has been so old, that in some parts of Kerala, even after conversions to Christianity, some members of the community continued this tradition. In 2004, many churches in Kerala formally adopted the same tradition of introducing young children to education on Dussehra day. The Dasara celebrations in Mysore are popular with tourists, and are conducted with great pomp. Dasara is celebrated in Nepal by the name of Dashain.
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