Dussehra, The festival that signifies the triumph of good over evil, is one of the most noteworthy Indian festivals. It is usually observed on the tenth day of Navaratri celebrations. 

In this article, let’s explore the history and traditions of Dussehra. 

Introduction: 

• Vijayadashami is also known as Dussehra or Navaratri. It is the festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with traditional fervor, devotion, and gaiety across Telangana. 
• The name Vijayadashami is derived from the Sanskrit term “Vijaya-dashami” which means victory on the day of Dashami. The word Dashami is the ‘tenth lunar day’ according to the Hindu calendar month.

The significance of Dussehra-

According to Hindu mythology, two important events took place on Dussehra – Goddess Durga killed the demon king Mahishasura and Lord Rama defeated Raavana showing the victory of truth over evil.

Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana:

• According to Ramayana, Ravana, who was a demon king of Lanka, kidnapped Lord Rama’s wife, Sita. Demon Ravana took Sita Mata to his kingdom Lanka and held her captive. Lord Sri Rama traveled to Lanka or Lanka Vanam with his brother Lakshmana, Lord Sri Hanuman, and an army of monkeys. 
• There Lord Rama killed the ten-headed demon king, Ravana on the tenth day of the battle. Since then, the 10 heads of Ravana models are burnt every year on the day of Dashami. The burning of Ravana effigies symbolizes the victory of good over evil. 

Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon king Mahishasura:

• According to Maha Puranas, demons called Asuras, who were very powerful were always trying to defeat the Gods, and take control of Heaven and humans on earth. One such Asura, called Mahishasura who is in the form of a buffalo, was growing powerful and undefeatable and with this, he started creating devastation on the earth. 
• The Asuras defeated the Gods under Mahishasura’s leadership. The Gods then combined all their energies into a Maha Shakti to destroy Mahishasura and bring peace to the people of earth. A powerful round of lightning, which then emerged from the mouths of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Maha Shiva formed into a young and beautiful female with ten hands, which had all the special weapons given to her by Gods. 
• This Maha Shakti then took the form of Goddess Durga Mata and after riding on a lion, Durga Mata fought hard against the demon Mahishasura for nine days and nights. Finally, during the tenth day of Ashvini Shukla paksha, the demon Mahishasura was eventually defeated and killed by Goddess Durga Mata.

The celebration of Nine days-

• The Dussehra celebration takes place on the tenth day of Navratri and is also known as Durga Puja. 
• The first day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Maa Shailputri and is followed by the worship of Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Skandmata, and the other avatars of Goddess Durga. People organize dance and drama skits that are based on the Ramayana. These skits and plays are popular all over the world and are known as RamLeela. 
• RamLeela depicts the entire story of how Ravana kidnaps Maa Sita and how Lord Rama valiantly fights against the evil king. On the tenth day i.e. on the day of Dussehra, huge effigies of Ravana are set on fire which signifies the victory of Lord Rama and his reunion with Maa Sita.

The day of bidding goodbye to the goddess:

• While the nine days of Navratri are dedicated to different forms of Goddess Durga, the tenth day i.e. the day of Durga Puja or Dussehra is an emotional one for devotees. On this day, idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in rivers, oceans or other water bodies.
• It is believed that after the immersion, Goddess Durga returns to Mount Kailash and reunites with Lord Shiva. During the immersion, devotees sing various emotional hymns, offer prayers to Goddess Durga and ask for her blessings.

The essence of spirituality-

• During the nine days preceding Dussehra or Durga Puja, devotees in the eastern states worship the nine avatars of Goddess Durga. Each of these nine forms represents a different side of Goddess Durga. 
• People also choose to buy new vehicles, properties like houses, or other new things on the day of Dussehra. Devotees share gifts and sweets among their relatives and friends along with their loved ones and also believe in celebrating this festival with their close ones. People often pray for a new beginning in their lives and also ask for forgiveness for any wrongdoings.
• The celebration of Dussehra is an important part of Indian culture. The vibrant colors, the huge idols of Goddess Durga Mata and the relatable themes are a major attraction for foreign tourists and an eye feast for Indians to watch. It always holds a special place in the hearts of devotees and this festival is usually followed by the festival of lights Diwali.

The main ethos of this festival is that of good victory over evil. It is on this day of the festival that people pray for prosperity and good health.