Essay on Dussehra- With the upcoming festival season, students start searching for the perfect essay about Dussehra either for homework or exams. Dussehra essay contains details on When, Why, and How Dussehra is celebrated. These details help in creating a valuable long or short essay on Dussehra. Writing an impactful essay encompasses the how, when, what and why queries of the reader.
Essay on Dussehra
When is Dussehra celebrated?
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated on the tenth day of the bright half of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin, which usually falls in the months of September or October in the Gregorian calendar. The exact date of Dussehra varies each year as it is determined based on the lunar calendar, so it is important to check the specific date for a given year based on the lunar calendar or consult a Hindu calendar to find out the exact date for that year. In 2024, Dussehra will be celebrated on October 24.
Why is Dussehra celebrated?
Dussehra is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India and other parts of South Asia. The festival has several cultural and religious significances, and its main reasons for celebration include:
- Victory of Good over Evil: Dussehra commemorates the victory of Lord Rama, an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, over the demon king Ravana. According to the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, Lord Rama’s wife, Sita, was kidnapped by Ravana, and Lord Rama, with the help of his monkey army, defeated Ravana and rescued Sita. The 10-day festival marks the day when Lord Rama killed Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good (Rama) over evil (Ravana).
- Symbolic Victory of Goddess Durga: In some parts of India, Dussehra also marks the conclusion of the Durga Puja festival, which celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This festival typically involves the worship of goddess Durga in her various forms.
- Celebration of Devi Durga’s Homecoming: In some regions, Dussehra marks the day when goddess Durga, who is believed to visit her parental home during Navratri (a nine-day festival), returns to her abode. The festival is marked by processions and celebrations.
- Lord Dattatreya’s Jayanti: Dussehra is also considered to be the day when Lord Dattatreya, a composite deity of Hinduism, was born. He is believed to be an incarnation of the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
- Agricultural Significance: In some agricultural communities, Dussehra marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of preparations for the next planting season. It is a time for farmers to worship their tools and machinery.
- Unity and Social Harmony: Dussehra is a time when people come together to celebrate, irrespective of their caste, creed, or social status. It promotes social harmony and unity as people from all walks of life participate in the festivities.
- Cultural Heritage: The traditions and rituals associated with Dussehra have been passed down through generations, contributing to India’s rich cultural heritage. The celebration of Dussehra reflects the country’s historical and mythological roots.
- Eradication of Evil Habits: Some people use Dussehra as an opportunity to introspect and resolve to eliminate personal weaknesses and bad habits. It is seen as an auspicious time to make positive changes in one’s life.
- Historical Commemoration: Dussehra may also be associated with historical events and victories that are celebrated on this day in different regions of India. For instance, it is celebrated as a day of valor and bravery in some parts, paying homage to historical heroes.
Dussehra is celebrated with great fervor across India and is observed with various traditions and rituals. In addition to the religious aspects, it also includes cultural events, processions, fairs, and the burning of effigies of Ravana, which is a symbolic representation of the victory of good over evil. The festival holds a special place in the hearts of people, and its significance may vary from one region to another, but the common thread is the celebration of the victory of righteousness over malevolence.
How is Dussehra celebrated?
Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm and in various ways across different regions of India. The way the festival is observed can vary, but there are some common customs and rituals associated with Dussehra:
- Ramlila Performances: In many parts of India, especially in the northern regions, elaborate theatrical performances known as “Ramlila” are staged. These performances reenact scenes from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, depicting the life and journey of Lord Rama, culminating in his victory over the demon king Ravana. The Ramlila often spans several days, with the final act performed on Dussehra.
- Effigy Burning: One of the most iconic and widely recognized traditions of Dussehra is the burning of effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghnad. These effigies are often filled with fireworks and are set ablaze in open grounds to symbolize the victory of good (Lord Rama) over evil (Ravana).
- Worship of Goddess Durga: In some parts of India, Dussehra marks the end of the Durga Puja festival. On this day, idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water bodies. This is also a significant event, especially in West Bengal.
- Aptaputra Puja: In the state of Gujarat, Dussehra is celebrated with the worship of Lord Hanuman. In some regions, it is believed that Lord Hanuman, who is also known as Aptaputra (son of the wind god), was born on this day. Devotees offer prayers and seek his blessings.
- Processions: Many places host colorful and grand processions on Dussehra. Idols of gods and goddesses are carried through the streets on chariots, accompanied by music, dance, and enthusiastic crowds.
- Gifting and Feasting: Dussehra is a time for exchanging gifts, especially among friends and family. Special dishes and sweets are prepared, and people often visit each other’s homes to celebrate and share festive meals.
- Vijayadashami Tika: In some regions, elders apply a red tika (a mark or paste) on the foreheads of younger family members as a symbol of blessings and protection. This custom is similar to other Hindu festivals.
- Agricultural Traditions: In some rural areas, Dussehra marks the conclusion of the harvest season and the start of preparations for the next planting season. Farmers worship their tools and machinery, and some perform rituals to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest.
- Cultural Programs: Many cultural events, fairs, and exhibitions take place during Dussehra. These events showcase local art, music, and crafts and contribute to the festive atmosphere.
The way Dussehra is celebrated can vary from one region to another, but the central theme of the festival remains the victory of good over evil, and it is a time for families and communities to come together in celebration and joy.
Conclusion
Overall, Dussehra is a multifaceted festival that celebrates the victory of good, reinforces the importance of virtuous living, promotes cultural unity, and serves as a time for reflection and renewal in one’s personal and social life. Its significance varies across different regions of India, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of the country