The season of festivals has already started in Hindu tradition with the arrival of August and September. And with that, there is a major highlight known as Dussehra that falls in the month of September-October every year. But, the biggest question is why Dussehra is celebrated after Navratri and why is Dussehra also called Vijayadashami? Read to get a glimpse on the importance of Dussehra festival, how Dussehra is celebrated in India and finally why Dussehra is not celebrated in Baijnath.
The Importance Of Dussehra Festival
The importance of Dussehra festival is highly considerable in Hindu tradition as it marks the victory of good over evil. Celebrated on the 10th day of Ashwin month, Dussehra is the day when Ramavtar of Lord Vishnu had won against Ravana, the ten headed Asura.
In southern parts of India, the day is known as Vijayadashmi and is celebrated for the victory of Maa Durga over Mahishasura.
How Dussehra Is Celebrated In India?
Here’s how Dussehra is celebrated in India among the Hindu religion. The festival is celebrated majorly by burning down huge effigies of Ravana set up on large grounds in the evening. Other than that, special prayer sessions are held in Maa Durga’s temples and food offerings are made to all forms of goddesses.
Throughout the ten days, various food stalls, fairs, and jhankis (parades) are carried out all across the Indian states. Here are some facts to know about how Dussehra is celebrated in India:
- Ramlila, which is a play version of Ramayana, is performed in the northern states of India.
- In Mysore, a large festive procession is carried out with a huge idol of Chamundeshwari Devi sitting on a throne, carried on the back of elephants.
- In the state of Karnataka, books, utensils, mechanical tools, and other household or work equipments are worshipped for the auspicious blessing of Maa Durga.
- Special food like luchi and alur dom are prepared in Bengal during the festivities.
Why Dussehra Is Celebrated After Navratri?
The reason why Dussehra is celebrated after Navratri is because of the significance of this last day. It was the day when the victory of good was achieved over the evil demons Mahishasura and Ravana by Maa Durga and Lord Rama respectively.
Also Read- Dussehra 2022: Know When Is Dussehra, Puja, And Ravan Dahan Time
Why Dussehra Is Not Celebrated In Baijnath?
Baijnath Dham is one of the most important pilgrimage centres asking the Hindus. It is a temple of Lord Shiva which was built around the lingam that Ravana had carried with himself in hopes to keep Lord Shiva stay in his Lanka.
According to the legends, the reason why Dussehra is not celebrated in Baijnath is that Ravana was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. He had even beheaded himself in front of God’s idol, not once but ten times.
Pleased by such devotion and perseverance, Lord Shiva granted him special blessings and even blessed him with ten heads. Hence that is why Dussehra is not celebrated in Baijnath. Ravana is not burnt here because no matter what, he was the greatest believer and devotee of Lord Shiva.
Why Is Dussehra Also Called Vijayadashami?
The reason why is Dussehra also called Vijayadashami is to honour and remember Maa Durga’s victory over evil. After a long battle, on the day of Dashami, Maa Durga finally defeated the demon in the form of a buffalo. He was also called Mahishasura.
Maa Durga had killed the demon to restore peace and the cosmic laws of the world. To simply tell why is Dussehra also called Vijayadashami because ‘Vijay’ means victory and ‘Dashami’ means the tenth day.
Also Read- Vijayadashami 2022: Know The Legend And Significance Of Dussehra
Conclusion
The festival is a major highlight of the year for the entire country, irrespective of their caste, creed and religion. The fairs and food stalls etc. are enjoyed by everyone. The whole enthusiasm and energy for Durga Puja come to a grand ending with the celebration of Dussehra. Year after year, may the celebration continue with similar zeal.