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The Significance of Dussehra

What is Dussehra?

What is meant by Dussehra?

Dussehra marks Lord Rama’s victory over the 10-headed demon King Ravana, who had abducted Rama’s wife, Sita.

It is celebrated on the 10th day of Navratri, or the 10th day of the Ashvin month, which usually falls in September or October. In 2024, it’s on Oct. 12th.

Dussehra is celebrated primarily across India and within Hindu communities globally.

Dussehra symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Some believe each one of Ravana’s 10 heads symbolizes various vices.

Navratri in South India:

In South India , Dussehra or Vijaya Ddashami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is unique in each religion.

In Telangana and Andhra, Durga Puja celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over demon Mahishasur. Ayudha Puja involves worshiping tools, vehicles, and equipment as a way of expressing gratitude for their crucial role in people's lives.

Who is Ravana and what is his significance in Ramayan?

Once upon a time...There was a ten-headed King of Lanka named Ravana. He and his siblings hailed from Brahma's lineage, who was the creator of the universe.

He had been granted a boon from Lords Brahma and Shiva that made him invincible and gave him the power to assume literally any form. Of course, there's always a "but"... and in his case, his demise would come because of a woman.

Ravana's troubles with Rama began because of his sister, Surpanakha.

It was "lust" at first sight for her when she saw Rama. Rama told her he's happily married but Lakshman, on the other hand, is single. After facing rejection from both the brothers, she attacked Sita in rage. Things quickly escalated. Out of vengeance, Surpanakha convinced her married brother, Ravana, that Sita was a woman worth fighting for.

Using more wit than grit, Ravana was able to distract Rama and Lakshman to ensure Sita was home alone when he went to abduct her. Although Ravana was holding Sita hostage, he decided he wouldn't marry her against her will. Not until she was ready.

This wasn't because Ravana was a gentleman. He had actually been cursed by another woman that he would not be able to touch any woman without her permission. In fact, when he kidnapped Sita, he literally could not hold her and instead had to lift the entire chunk of earth that she was standing on.

Ravana's Downfall:

When Ravana was advised to abandon 9 of his emotions and rely on intellect, he refused. He believed that mastering all of these qualities would make him a more well-rounded individual.

However, his uncontrolled desires and senses ultimately led to the destruction of his family, the city of Lanka, and himself. As he lay dying, Ravana realized that his lack of self-control had caused him to squander his wisdom.

Some Interesting Facts About Ravana:

He was extremely knowledgeable, a skilled musician, and his kingdom flourished under his rule.

He was half-Brahmin (from his father) and half-demon (from his mother). It is the reason he is so devoted to the Gods.

Ravana was not born with 10 heads, but rather, they were given to him by Lord Shiva as a boon for the penance he served. During the penance, Ravana severing his own head 10 times.

Ravana already knew he would be defeated when the battle ensued with Rama. As the son of a sage, he knew Rama was an incarnation of Vishnu. He faced his death head on because he saw it as a way to earn salvation by dying honorably at the hands of a God.

Another Dussehra Story:

Once upon a time...

There was a prince of Ayodhya named Ram, whose father had three wives. Although Ram was the rightful heir to the throne, the third/youngest wife, Kaikeyi, was determined to have her son rule instead.

In all fairness, Kaikeyi could have plotted to have Ram killed, but instead, she asked her husband to have him exhiled from the kingdom for 14 years.

Ram never challenged the decision and left town, along with his wife, Sita, and half-brother, Lakshman.

Off the trio went into go live the forest. Thirteen years passed by in the blink of an eye, until...

One day, Sita saw a golden deer and asked Ram to go fetch it for her. Why? I have no clue. To admire it? To feed it?

Ram tried reasoning with her that this golden deer felt like a trap, but considering she was forced to leave the comforts of a palace to live in a forest for over a decade, without an ounce of complaint, I guess Ram felt like he owed her one.

Of course, Ram was right. It was a trap. A sneaky little ploy a demon named Ravan devised to kidnap Sita.

And if you recall, it was Ravan's sister who put the evil idea in his head. Surpanakha was in love with Ram, but since she couldn't WIN his love... well, she decided he should LOSE HIS love instead.

Ravan abducted Sita and took her to the island of Lanka. Meanwhile, Ram and Lakshman searched far and wide for Sita but to no avail.

During their search, they came across a group of vanaras (half-man, half-monkey), to which Hanuman belonged. Ram learned that the group leader, Sugriva, had also been similarly banished from his own kingdom. After Ram helped Sugriva reclaim the throne, it was his turn to ask for help.

Hanuman belonged to the vanaras.

And this is why Navratri is celebrated for nine nights, as the victory of good over evil. Although let's be real, almost every single Hindu holiday -- from Holi to Diwali -- is rooted in this very theme. My takeaway? Whether it takes you nine days or 14 years, never lose hope and the courage to fight for what's rightfully yours -- be it' your kingdom, your wife, or your freedom. Victory favors the brave.

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