FESTIVAL OF DASSERA

Celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin  - which falls in September /October, Dassera is also known  "Vijayadashmi".  Dassera marks the end of Navratri, the festival of nine nights. Dassera day is considered very auspicious. 

Navratri : "Nav" means nine and "ratri" means nights, therefore the word "Navratri". Dassera : means the Tenth Day, being the 10th day of the bright half of Ashwin. This day is also known as Vijayadashmi, or Victory Tenth.

Victory of Rama over Ravana

As per the Ramayana, Ram did "chandi-puja" to invoke the blessings of Durga to kill Ravana. Ravana the 10 headed demon had abducted Lord Rama's wife to his capital city of Lanka. Lord Ram with the help of his brother Laxman and Hanuman, rescued Sita from Lanka. Dassera marks the triumph of Lord Ram's victory. After vanquishing him, Ram with Seeta and Laxman returned victorious to his kingdom of Ayodhya on Dassera day.

The Burning of the effigy of Ravana

On Dassera, the tenth day the celebration of good over evil is marked by burning the effigy of Ravana. The statue of the 10 headed demon Ravana is made of wood, hay etc with fireworks inside. The celebrations begin around sunset, families and friends gather in the evening and then the statue is set on fire. People shoot arrows on the effigy. The effigy burns up with a huge display of fireworks, which is an exciting event for kids and adults alike.  

Ram Leela

In all parts of India "Ram Leela" is performed which are the stories from the Ramayana. These stories are about Hanuman and his burning tail, Ravana's abduction of Sita, Ram's victory over Ravana and the rescue of Sita by Hanuman and the monkeys. 

Victory of Durga over Mahisura

Durga

Goddess Durga is also commonly known as Kali, Bhavani, Amba and Chandika.  Goddess Durga represents two forms of female energy - one mild and protective and the other fierce and destructive. She stands independent, and is worshipped in her own right. 

This reinforces the interpretation of rites performed during Navaratri as those originating in a festival eulogizing fertility in women.

Another story tells this day as a celebration of the victory of Durga over the demon Mahishasura. This is how she came about. The gods in heaven decided to create an all-powerful being to kill the demon king Mahishasur who was ready to attack them. With a stream of lightning from the mouths of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh a beautiful, magnificent woman with ten hands was created. Then all the gods furnished her with their special weapons. She then destroyed King Mahishasur. The image of Durga, the Eternal Mother destroying the demon, Mahishasur on Chamundi Hills near Mysore is symbolic of the final confrontation of the spiritual urge of man with his baser passions.