Explore Dussehra 2023: Date, History, Traditions, and Celebrations Guide at various places in India.
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Welcome to our vibrant journey into the heart of Dussehra, one of India's most cherished festivals. With each passing year, this joyous occasion draws communities together to celebrate the eternal victory of good over evil.
In this blog, PrimeNewsly will delve deep into the colorful tapestry of Dussehra, unveiling its rich history, diverse traditions, and the enchanting stories that have woven this festival into the cultural fabric of India. From the epic narratives of Lord Rama to the lively festivities that grace every corner of the country, join us as we explore the essence and significance of Dussehra, providing insights into its 2023 celebrations and much more.
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a big Hindu festival celebrated every year at the end of Navaratri. It happens on the tenth day of the month of Ashvin, usually in September or October.
The word 'Vijayadashami' combines 'vijaya,' meaning victory, and 'daśamī,' meaning tenth. In different parts of India and Nepal, this festival goes by various names and takes unique forms.
'Dussehra' is the British English spelling of 'Dasahrā,' derived from 'daśaharā,' a Sanskrit term formed from 'daśama,' meaning tenth, and 'ahar,' meaning day. It's a joyful time when people come together to celebrate this victory of goodness.
Dussehra’s history is filled with exciting tales from ancient times. This festival is all about celebrating the victory of good over evil.
One of the main stories behind Dussehra comes from the epic Ramayana. It tells the tale of Lord Rama, a prince who had his wife, Sita, kidnapped by the evil demon king Ravana. Ravana took Sita to his kingdom in Lanka, which is now known as Sri Lanka. Rama tried to peacefully ask Ravana to release Sita, but he refused.
This led to a great war between them. Ravana had received a powerful boon from Lord Brahma that made him nearly invincible. However, Rama, being an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, defeated and killed Ravana, showing that goodness can triumph over any obstacle. This victory of Rama over Ravana established dharma, or righteousness, on Earth.
In another epic, the Mahabharata, Dussehra also holds significance. It marks the day when the Pandava warrior Arjuna defeated the Kauravas. During this time, they hid their celestial weapons in a Shami tree for safekeeping. When the Kauravas decided to attack Virata's kingdom, Arjuna retrieved the weapons from the Shami tree and bravely defeated the entire Kaurava army.
In 2023, Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is set to be celebrated on Tuesday, October 24th. It's a significant day in Hindu culture, falling on the 10th day of the month of Ashvina, which corresponds to the Gregorian calendar months of September and October. On this day, people commemorate the victory of good over evil.
For those who want to make the most of this auspicious occasion, the Vijay Muhurat, a highly favorable time, is expected to last from 01:58 PM to 02:43 PM, giving everyone a 45-minute window to partake in special rituals and celebrations.
Mysuru Dasara celebrates Goddess Chamundeswari's triumph over the demon Mahishasura. The city dazzles with lights, and a grand procession carries the deity atop an adorned elephant.
The festival involves placing huge idols of Goddess Durga Devi, nine nights of prayer, and Aayudha Pooja. People visit temples, especially Kanaka Durga Ammavaaru in Vijayawada and Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala.
Kullu hosts a massive fair and parade that draws half a million people.
Ramlila, a month-long enactment of the Ramayana, decorates the capital. Temples glow with flowers and diyas, and pandals for Goddess Durga emerge.
Rajput warriors revere both Rama and Devi Durga, while the Gondi people in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh celebrate Ravana.
Navratra in Ahmedabad brings Garba dancing to life. Devotees fast, perform aartis, and immerse themselves in Garba's infectious energy.
Special winter dishes and sweets fill the day as people gather to celebrate. This festival holds historical significance for Shivaji, who challenged the Mughal Empire.
Idols are immersed in water amidst a grand procession. Married women play Sindoor-Khela for good luck, followed by blessings and sweets from elders.
Dussehra, or Dashain, holds a special place in Nepal. Families reunite, students meet teachers, and elders bless the young with tilaks on their foreheads, making it a day of togetherness and tradition.
To do Dussehra Pooja, you'll need some special things: an image of Dussehra, cow dung, special grain called Jhuwar, Roli, chawal (rice), kalava (sacred thread), and colorful flowers.
Don't forget fruits and sweets, plus some money for offering.
Here's how to do it:
Performing a Dussehra vehicle pooja, also known as Vahana Puja, can be an exciting and meaningful ritual. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to do it:
You can perform vehicle puja on any day of the week except for Saturday. Saturday is usually avoided for this ritual.
You'll need a few essential items for the pooja:
Park your vehicle facing north, northeast, or east for the pooja.
Fill the Kalash with water and add chandan (sandalwood paste), perfume, a coin, a small piece of supari (betel nut), and betel leaves. Place it in front of your vehicle.
Use three mango leaves to sprinkle water on your vehicle. If possible, use water from a holy river. If not, water with Tulsi leaves soaked overnight can also be used.
Mix ghee and sindhoor to make a swastika mark on your vehicle.
Place a flower garland on your vehicle after making the swastika mark.
Light a Diya using cow ghee and wave it around your vehicle while chanting the mantra 'Om Namo Bhagavate Shakti Rudraya Maruti Namah' seven times.
Perform a Karpoor aarti by using camphor (Karpur) as an offering.
Pour the water from the Kalash on the left and right sides of your vehicle.
Keep the sweet on your vehicle and later offer it to a cow as a sign of generosity and goodwill.
Finally, break a coconut in front of your vehicle to symbolize auspiciousness.
In some regions, people also decorate their vehicles with banana leaves or perform additional rituals involving ash gourd or safed Bopada. The key is to perform the pooja with devotion and reverence, seeking blessings for a safe and auspicious journey.
If you're planning to celebrate Dussehra at home with your kids, here are some exciting ideas to make it a memorable and educational experience.
Begin your Dussehra celebrations by honoring Goddess Saraswati. She represents knowledge and wisdom, making it a wonderful opportunity to teach your kids about traditions and spirituality. Create a small altar with an idol of Goddess Saraswati, place it on a chowki, and surround it with books.
Together with your children, light a Diya and incense sticks, and offer kumkum, Haldi (turmeric), and colorful flowers to the goddess. Explain the significance of this ritual, and encourage your kids to ask questions and learn.
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Although burning effigies of Ravana is a common Dussehra practice, it might not be safe to do so at home. Instead, engage your family in a creative activity by making an effigy of Ravan using newspapers and organic paints. Let your kids be part of the process, and afterward, have them playfully shoot the effigy with toy bows and arrows. Use this opportunity to explain the symbolism behind this tradition, as it adds a fun and educational dimension to the celebration.
Gather your little ones for an engaging storytelling session. Narrate the epic tale of Lord Rama and his victory over the demon king Ravana, which forms the heart of Dussehra celebrations. To make it even more exciting, consider reading excerpts from the Ramayana and adding sound effects to captivate their imagination.
Dandiya is an integral part of the Navratri festival leading up to Dussehra. Invite relatives, friends, and neighbors for a Dandiya party at home. Play lively Dandiya music and provide bamboo sticks for a spirited dance session. Encourage everyone to dress up in traditional attire, like chaniya cholis for women and dhoti kurtas or pajamas for men, to enhance the festive atmosphere.
For a dose of creativity and friendly competition, organize a rangoli competition for your kids and their friends. Provide them with colorful rangoli powders or flower petals to craft intricate designs on your doorstep. Divide them into pairs or teams, and let them unleash their artistic talents. Don't forget to reward the winners and participants with homemade sweets and delicious dishes, making the celebration even more delightful.
These Dussehra activities at home not only ensure a fun-filled day but also instill cultural values and knowledge in your children, making it a meaningful celebration for the whole family.
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Dussehra is important because it celebrates the victory of good over evil. We remember Lord Rama's win over the demon king Ravana, teaching us to be good. It's also a time for fun, yummy food, and spending time with family and friends!
Vijayadashami' means 'victory of the tenth day' and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. 'Dussehra' is another name for the festival and is derived from Sanskrit words that mean 'tenth day.'
Dussehra's history is filled with exciting tales of goodness triumphing over evil, including the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana and the Pandava warrior Arjuna over the Kauravas.
Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 24th, 2023, marking the 10th day of the month of Ashvina.
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