Dusshera-The Victory of Good Over Evil

Generous shower of lights, blaze-burn, sizzle-scorch followed by a fabulous show of fireworks celebrate the victory of good over evil. This is Dusshera, one of the favorite festivals of India. As its name suggests, it is celebrated for ten days and this extravaganza finally concludes in Vijayadashmi. Nine days prior to Vijayadashmi, are celebrated as ‘Navratri’. Dusshera, also spelt as Dasra is a festival of parade and pageant which falls in the month of October. This year, it will be celebrated on the 17th of October. Calculations made according to the lunar calendar determine the date of this fiesta.

As already known, this Hindu festival marks the remarkable triumph of Lord Rama when he released Sita, his wife from hands of the iniquitous king Ravana. After ten days of pomp and celebrations, huge paper and wood effigies of impious ten-headed king Ravana, his son Meghnad and brother Kumbhkaran are set ablaze. The sight is worth seeing.

This festival is not just about processions and explosive displays of the three effigies. It has a beautiful color in every part of India. In most of the parts in Northern India, story related to Dusshera is enacted in Ramlilas in all neighborhood fairs. In Western parts, fasting and feasting go on with clacking sounds of dandiya in garba. In Kullu Valley, people celebrate it with a pageant of idols, animal-sacrifice ritual and ample liquor brewed locally. In Southern parts, the ten days are equipped with worship, banquets and music. Mysore in Karnataka and Kota in Rajasthan are also famous for joyous celebrations. In East, the festive fervor is celebrated as Durga Pooja.

At some places Shami Pooja is performed. Ayudha Pooja is among the main rituals during Dusshera. Being the last day of Durga Pooja, worship of Goddess is done with greatest devotion. Goddess Shakti is also known by the name of Aparajita. On this day Aparajita Pooja is also observed. Dusshera is among the most high-spirited festivals of India. It brings time to rejoice, have fun and commemorate the victory of good over evil.

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