Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated across India with grandeur and devotion. Falling on the tenth day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the month of Ashwin, it marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri festival. Vijayadashami is not just a celebration but an embodiment of the victory of good over evil, symbolizing the power of righteousness.
Vijayadashami/Dussehra 2024 Date
Vijayadashami/Dussehra in 2024 will be celebrated on October 12, 2024.
The Mythological Background of Vijayadashami/ Dussehra
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is a festival rich with mythological significance, drawing from two major Hindu epics: the Ramayana and the Markandeya Purana. These mythologies tell tales of valor, righteousness, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Below are the two primary legends that form the foundation of Vijayadashami's celebration.
1. The Victory of Lord Rama Over Ravana (The Ramayana)
One of the most widely known myths associated with Vijayadashami is the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. This story is narrated in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, written by Sage Valmiki.
Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka, was an exceptionally powerful ruler, renowned for his unmatched intellect and knowledge of the scriptures. However, his arrogance and disregard for dharma (righteousness) led him to commit several sinful acts, the most significant being the abduction of Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama.
The abduction of Sita took place when Lord Rama, Sita, and Rama's younger brother Lakshmana were in their period of exile, which lasted for 14 years. Ravana, lured by his sister Shurpanakha’s plight and enchanted by Sita's beauty, devised a cunning plan to kidnap her. He approached the trio’s humble forest dwelling in the disguise of an ascetic and captured Sita by deceit.
This marked the beginning of an epic journey for Lord Rama, who set out to rescue Sita with the assistance of his loyal brother Lakshmana and a devoted army of vanaras (monkey warriors), led by Lord Hanuman. After a long and arduous journey across India, Rama's army reached the shores of Lanka.
The battle between Rama and Ravana became a symbol of the eternal struggle between dharma and adharma (unrighteousness). For ten days, a fierce war raged between the forces of Lord Rama and those of Ravana. The clash was filled with intense moments of valor, devotion, and sacrifice. During the battle, Lord Rama’s unwavering sense of righteousness, his courage, and his reliance on divine aid helped him to finally defeat Ravana. The story also highlights the devotion of Hanuman, who played a crucial role in locating Sita and battling Ravana’s forces.
The final day of the battle, when Rama killed Ravana, is celebrated as Vijayadashami—"Vijaya" meaning victory and "Dashami" meaning the tenth day. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil, of light over darkness. To commemorate this victory, effigies of Ravana, along with those of his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghanada (Indrajit), are burned every year on this day, signifying the destruction of evil.
2. The Victory of Goddess Durga Over Mahishasura (The Markandeya Purana)
Another myth that holds immense significance during Vijayadashami is the story of Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. This legend is primarily described in the Markandeya Purana and is deeply tied to the celebration of Navratri, which precedes Vijayadashami.
Mahishasura, the buffalo-headed demon, was a powerful asura (demon) who obtained a boon from Lord Brahma, the creator god. According to this boon, Mahishasura could not be killed by any man or god, which made him practically invincible. Drunk with the power of his boon, Mahishasura began a reign of terror over the three worlds—earth, heaven, and the netherworld. He led his army to conquer the heavens, defeating the devas (gods) and driving them out of their own realm.
Unable to face the might of Mahishasura, the gods approached the Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—for help. The Trinity, along with the other devas, combined their powers to create Goddess Durga, an embodiment of divine energy. Durga, also known as Shakti, was endowed with the power, beauty, and weapons of all the gods. Mounted on her fierce lion, Durga challenged Mahishasura.
The battle between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura lasted for nine nights and ten days. Durga, with her supreme power and determination, fought valiantly against the demon and his forces. On the tenth day, Durga finally overpowered Mahishasura, killing him with her trident. This day of victory is celebrated as Vijayadashami, symbolizing the triumph of the divine feminine energy over malevolent forces.
This myth emphasizes the importance of divine feminine power and the belief that whenever evil becomes too strong, divine intervention in the form of Shakti will restore balance and righteousness. It also reinforces the idea that no power, no matter how strong, can withstand dharma, and that evil will ultimately face its end.
Symbolism and Spiritual Significance of Vijayadashami/ Dussehra
The mythological background of Vijayadashami has deep spiritual and moral significance:
1. Victory of Good Over Evil: Both myths revolve around the concept of the ultimate triumph of good over evil, reinforcing the belief that righteousness will always prevail. Ravana's defeat by Rama and Mahishasura's demise at the hands of Durga symbolize the end of darkness, arrogance, and evil.
2. Balance of Power: The two myths also signify the cosmic balance between the masculine and the feminine energies. Lord Rama embodies courage, honor, and justice, whereas Goddess Durga is the embodiment of Shakti, showcasing strength, protection, and divine power. Together, these myths teach that true power lies in a balanced union of all forms of energy.
3. Inner Struggles: The symbolism of Vijayadashami also extends to personal battles. The burning of Ravana’s effigies signifies the destruction of the inner demons within us—such as ego, anger, lust, greed, and jealousy. Similarly, Durga’s victory encourages the cultivation of purity, courage, and resilience to overcome our own challenges.
Rituals and Traditions of Vijayadashami/Dussehra
The rituals are a significant part of the festival, which marks the culmination of both the Navratri festival and, in some traditions, the story of Lord Rama defeating Ravana. Below is a detailed description of the diverse rituals and traditions observed during Vijayadashami.
1. Effigy Burning (Ravana Dahan)
One of the most prominent and widely recognized traditions of Vijayadashami is Ravana Dahan, the burning of effigies of Ravana, along with those of his brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghanada (Indrajit). This ritual, observed mainly in North India, symbolizes the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, marking the triumph of righteousness over evil.
Effigies of Ravana are constructed out of bamboo, paper, and other materials. These effigies are often filled with fireworks and can be as tall as 30 to 50 feet. They are set up in open grounds, where large crowds gather to witness their burning.
The effigies are burned amidst the chanting of prayers and cheers from the audience. Firecrackers explode, symbolizing the destruction of negative forces and celebrating the victory of good.
In many places, the Ramlila, which is a dramatic re-enactment of the Ramayana, is performed for several nights leading up to Vijayadashami. The climax of these performances is the burning of Ravana’s effigy on the tenth day.
This tradition not only serves as an act of devotion but also acts as a reminder to people of the importance of eradicating one’s inner vices, such as anger, arrogance, and greed, symbolized by Ravana's ten heads.
2. Ayudha Puja (Worship of Tools and Instruments)
In South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, Ayudha Puja is an important ritual associated with Vijayadashami. This tradition involves the worship of tools, instruments, weapons, and vehicles. It is believed that by performing this puja, one honors the divine presence in their livelihood and expresses gratitude for the tools that enable them to work and earn a living.
People clean and decorate their tools, vehicles, and even kitchen equipment. Tools used in various professions, from agricultural implements to computers, are adorned with flowers, sandalwood paste, and turmeric.
A special puja is conducted, and offerings are made to invoke blessings for prosperity and success. This ritual symbolizes the belief that there is divinity in the tools we use, and it is important to respect them.
Ayudha Puja is not only a gesture of gratitude but also signifies a fresh start—honoring the means of one’s livelihood and seeking divine blessings for continued growth and success.
3. Shami Tree Worship (Shami Puja)
Shami Puja is a tradition associated with Vijayadashami, primarily observed in parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan. The Shami tree, also known as the Prosopis cineraria tree, holds special significance during this festival due to its role in the Mahabharata.
According to the Mahabharata, during their period of exile, the Pandavas hid their weapons in a Shami tree before entering the kingdom of Matsya. After a year of incognito exile, they returned to the Shami tree on Vijayadashami and retrieved their weapons to prepare for war. Since then, the tree has been considered a symbol of valor, victory, and success.
On Vijayadashami, people worship the Shami tree, offer prayers, and exchange its leaves, known as Apta leaves, as symbols of good fortune and prosperity. This ritual is known as "Seemollanghan" in Maharashtra, which symbolizes crossing the boundaries and embracing success.
The worship of the Shami tree is believed to remove obstacles, bring prosperity, and invoke blessings for victory in all aspects of life.
4. Goddess Durga Immersion (Durga Visarjan)
In West Bengal and other eastern parts of India, Vijayadashami marks the conclusion of Durga Puja, a grand festival celebrating Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. On this day, idols of Goddess Durga are taken out in grand processions and immersed in rivers or other water bodies. This ritual is known as Durga Visarjan.
During the immersion, devotees bid an emotional farewell to Goddess Durga, who is believed to be returning to her heavenly abode after spending time with her devotees on earth.
Women perform a ritual known as Sindoor Khela, in which they apply sindoor (vermilion) to the idol of the goddess and to each other. This symbolizes the wish for long-lasting marital bliss and prosperity.
The entire atmosphere during Durga Visarjan is filled with both joy and nostalgia, with chants like "Asche Bochor Abar Hobe" (Next year, she will come again), signifying hope and faith for the future.
The immersion of the idol is symbolic of the cyclical nature of creation and destruction, emphasizing the temporary yet eternal nature of life and divinity.
5. Vidyarambham (Initiation of Learning)
In Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu, Vidyarambham is a special ritual performed on Vijayadashami to mark an auspicious beginning for learning, especially for young children.
On this day, young children are formally introduced to the world of letters in a ceremony known as Vidyarambham. The child writes their first letters, usually "Om" or a simple mantra, on a tray filled with rice or on a slate.
This ritual is conducted in temples, where priests or elders guide the children in tracing their first letters. It is believed that starting one's education on Vijayadashami brings blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and success in academics.
Vidyarambham symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge and the blessing of the divine to overcome ignorance.
6. Kullu Dussehra
In the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Vijayadashami is celebrated in a unique way known as Kullu Dussehra. Unlike other regions where the celebrations end on the tenth day, Kullu Dussehra begins on Vijayadashami and continues for a week.
The deities from different temples in the Kullu Valley are brought in grand processions to the Dhalpur Maidan, where they are worshipped and revered.
Traditional music, folk dances, and cultural performances are organized, celebrating the local heritage and devotion.
The festival is marked by a spectacular procession led by Raghunathji, the chief deity of the Kullu Valley, signifying the unity of all divine energies.
Kullu Dussehra represents a community coming together to celebrate culture, heritage, and devotion, while also invoking the blessings of all the deities.
7. Ramlila Performances
In North India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Bihar, Ramlila—a dramatic re-enactment of the Ramayana—is performed during the days leading up to Vijayadashami.
The enactment of the life of Lord Rama is performed in open grounds and public spaces, with actors dressed as different characters from the Ramayana. These performances narrate the entire story, from Rama’s birth to his victory over Ravana.
Ramlila culminates with the symbolic killing of Ravana on Vijayadashami. It is a highly engaging form of storytelling that passes on the values and morals of the Ramayana to the community, especially younger generations.
Ramlila performances serve as an important cultural and devotional activity that reinforces the message of the victory of good over evil.
8. Saraswati Puja
In some regions, particularly in South India, Saraswati Puja is performed during the last days of Navratri and concludes on Vijayadashami.
Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, wisdom, and learning, is worshipped with devotion. Books, musical instruments, and educational tools are placed in front of the idol of Saraswati and worshipped to seek her blessings.
The ritual signifies the importance of knowledge, learning, and arts in one's life, and Vijayadashami is considered an auspicious day to restart studies or embark on a new creative pursuit.
Vijayadashami/Dussehra Wishes and Quotes in English, Hindi, and Sanskrit
Below are some detailed wishes and quotes in English, Hindi, and Sanskrit.
Wishes and Quotes in English
Wishes:
1. Wishing you all a very Happy Vijayadashami! May this day clear all hurdles from your life and bless you with success and prosperity.
2. On this auspicious day of Dussehra, may Lord Rama bless you with strength and courage to conquer all your challenges. Happy Dussehra!
3. Let’s celebrate the victory of good over evil. May you achieve all your dreams and goals. Wishing you a joyous Dussehra!
4. May the divine blessings of Goddess Durga bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to your life. Happy Vijayadashami!
5. This Dussehra, let us overcome our own Ravanas—the ego, anger, greed, and jealousy within us—and create a path to righteousness and happiness. Happy Dussehra!
Quotes:
1. "Dussehra is a reminder that no matter how powerful evil seems, truth and righteousness will always triumph."
2. "Burn your worries along with Ravana, usher in happiness, and welcome prosperity on Dussehra."
3. "The day of victory is a call for celebration. Let us remember the valor of Lord Rama and the courage of Goddess Durga."
4. "Just as Lord Rama conquered the evil Ravana, may we all conquer the demons within ourselves—fear, anger, and selfishness."
5. "Dussehra celebrates the essence of righteousness, courage, and perseverance. Let us draw inspiration from Lord Rama’s victory and live with integrity."
Wishes and Quotes in Hindi (हिंदी में शुभकामनाएं और उद्धरण)
शुभकामनाएं (Wishes):
1. विजयादशमी के इस पावन पर्व पर आपको और आपके परिवार को सुख, समृद्धि, और शक्ति मिले। विजयादशमी की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं!
2. दशहरा का यह पर्व हमें सिखाता है कि सत्य और धर्म की हमेशा जीत होती है। आपको और आपके प्रियजनों को दशहरे की ढेर सारी शुभकामनाएं!
3. रावण का दहन हमें यह सिखाता है कि बुराई का अंत अवश्य होता है। इस विजयादशमी पर आपके जीवन में सिर्फ खुशियों का आगमन हो। शुभ दशहरा!
4. माता दुर्गा का आशीर्वाद आपके जीवन को खुशियों और ऊर्जा से भर दे। आपको विजयादशमी की शुभकामनाएं!
5. इस दशहरे पर सभी दुखों और बुराइयों का अंत हो, और आप सफलता की ऊँचाइयों को छूएं। दशहरे की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं!
उद्धरण (Quotes):
1. "दशहरा का पर्व हमें यह सिखाता है कि कोई भी बुराई कितनी भी बड़ी क्यों न हो, सत्य और धर्म की जीत अवश्य होती है।"
2. "इस विजयादशमी पर रावण के पुतले के साथ अपने भीतर की बुराइयों को भी जलाएं।"
3. "सच्चाई, साहस और धैर्य से भगवान श्रीराम ने रावण का अंत किया। हम भी अपने जीवन में धर्म का पालन करें और सभी चुनौतियों का सामना करें।"
4. "बुराई का अंत निश्चित है, बस हमें अच्छाई के रास्ते पर चलने की जरूरत है। विजयादशमी की शुभकामनाएं!"
5. "दशहरा सत्य, साहस, और प्रेम की विजय का पर्व है। सभी को दशहरे की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं!"
Wishes and Quotes in Sanskrit (संस्कृत में शुभकामनाएं और उद्धरण)
शुभकामनाएं (Wishes):
1. विजयादशम्याः पावनपर्वणि सर्वेभ्यः सुखं, समृद्धिं, च शान्तिं कामयामहे। विजयादशम्याः हार्दिकं शुभाशयाः!
2. अस्मिन् पावने दिने रावणस्य दहनं, अधर्मस्य पराजयः च। धर्मस्य जयः सदा भवतु। शुभ विजयादशमी!
3. विजयादशम्या: दिवसे सर्वेषां जीवनं आनंद, ऐश्वर्य, च संपदः पूरयतु। विजयादशम्याः शुभाशयाः!
4. धर्मस्य विजयः सदा भवतु। शुभ विजयादशमी!
5. माता दुर्गायाः कृपया भवतः सर्वेषां जीवनं सुखेन, समृद्ध्या च पूरयतु। विजयादशम्याः हार्दिकं शुभकामनाः!
उद्धरण (Quotes):
1. "धर्म एव हतो हन्ति धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः। तस्मात् धर्मो न हन्तव्यो मा नो धर्मो हतोऽवधीत्॥" — धर्म की रक्षा करने से ही व्यक्ति की रक्षा होती है, इस विजयादशमी पर धर्म का पालन करें।
2. "रावणस्य दहनं बुरायाः पराजयः च। विजयादशम्या: पावने दिने, सर्वेभ्यः सद्गुणानां जयः भवतु।" — विजयादशमी बुराई के अंत का प्रतीक है, सद्गुणों की जीत हो।
3. "शुभं करोति कल्याणं आरोग्यं धनसंपदः। शत्रुबुद्धिविनाशाय दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तु ते॥" — इस पर्व पर दीप ज्योति से सभी शत्रु बुद्धि का नाश हो, और शुभता आए।
4. "सत्यं शरणं गच्छामि। विजयादशम्याः दिने अधर्मस्य पराजयः।" — इस विजयादशमी पर सत्य और धर्म का पालन करते हुए अधर्म का नाश करें।
5. "शक्तिः परमं तेजः। माता दुर्गायाः विजयः सदा भवतु।" — शक्ति ही परम तेज है, माता दुर्गा का विजय हर समय हो।
Conclusion
Vijayadashami or Dussehra is more than a festival; it is a symbol of the eternal battle between good and evil, a reminder that dharma always prevails. It is a celebration of victory, righteousness, courage, and new beginnings. From the dramatic Ramlila performances of North India to the cultural extravaganza of Durga Puja in the East and the royal festivities of Mysore in the South, Vijayadashami unites the nation in its diversity.
As we celebrate Vijayadashami, let us embrace the virtues of truth, courage, and righteousness in our lives. Let us also remember the stories of Lord Rama and Goddess Durga and draw inspiration from their victories to fight against the negativities within us and around us. May the spirit of Vijayadashami inspire us to work towards a better world, filled with light, peace, and harmony.