Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated across India. It marks the victory of good over evil, commemorating different mythological events depending on the region, primarily the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana and the triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. The festival usually falls in September or October, on the tenth day of the Ashwin month, according to the Hindu calendar.

Significance of Dussehra:

1. Victory of Lord Rama over Ravana:

   • In northern and western India, Dussehra celebrates Lord Rama's victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana, as described in the epic Ramayana. This event symbolizes the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness) and is central to the cultural and religious observances of Dussehra.

2. Triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura:

   • In West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and parts of eastern India, Dussehra is observed as the culmination of the Durga Puja festival. It celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of divine power and feminine strength.

3. Meaning of Vijayadashami:

   • The term Vijayadashami is derived from two words: “Vijaya,” meaning victory, and “Dashami,” meaning the tenth day. It is believed to be an auspicious day for starting new ventures and seeking blessings for success and prosperity.

Legends Associated with Dussehra:

1. Ramayana:

   • According to the Ramayana, Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, kidnapped Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. After an epic battle, Rama, with the help of his brother Lakshmana, his devotee Hanuman, and an army of monkeys, defeated Ravana. Dussehra marks the day of Rama’s victory and Ravana's defeat.

2. Mahishasura Mardini:

   • In the eastern states, the festival honors Durga, who fought and vanquished Mahishasura after a nine-day battle. This day, Vijayadashami, signifies the victory of the Goddess over evil forces, and the immersion of her idol into water (visarjan) takes place to mark her return to her heavenly abode.

3. Pandavas' Return:

   • According to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas completed their period of exile in incognito and revealed their identity on Dussehra. They retrieved their weapons hidden under a tree and worshipped them before going into battle. This event is also remembered during Dussehra, particularly in regions like Himachal Pradesh.

Dussehra Celebrations Across India:

1. Ramlila and Ravana Effigy Burning (Northern India):

   • In northern India, especially in cities like Delhi, Varanasi, and Ayodhya, Ramlila performances are organized, which are dramatizations of the Ramayana. The enactments culminate in the burning of huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran, symbolizing the destruction of evil.
   • Crowds gather in large numbers to witness the effigy burning, followed by fireworks and celebrations.

2. Durga Puja Visarjan (Eastern India):

   • In West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, Dussehra marks the final day of the Durga Puja festival. On this day, the grand idols of Goddess Durga, along with her children (Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya), are carried in a procession and immersed in rivers or lakes.
   • The visarjan (immersion) ceremony is accompanied by music, dance, and prayers, with people bidding a tearful goodbye to the Goddess, asking her to return the next year.

3. Mysore Dasara (Karnataka):

   • In the southern state of Karnataka, particularly in Mysore, Dussehra is celebrated with grand processions and royal pageantry known as Mysore Dasara. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of lights, and a grand procession is held, featuring a decorated elephant carrying an idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, a form of Durga.
   • The festival also includes cultural programs, exhibitions, and a spectacular display of local traditions and heritage.

4. Ayudha Puja (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka):

   • In southern states, Dussehra is observed as Ayudha Puja, where people worship their tools, instruments, and vehicles. This ritual signifies the worship of work and the tools used in daily life, be they weapons, books, or machinery. It’s a day of gratitude for all the objects that contribute to one’s livelihood.

5. Kullu Dussehra (Himachal Pradesh):

   • In Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Dussehra is a week-long festival, unlike the one-day celebration in other parts of India. The Kullu Dussehra is unique because it starts when Dussehra elsewhere ends. Thousands of deities from neighboring villages are carried in palanquins to the Dhalpur Maidan to honor the main deity, Lord Raghunath. It is a major cultural event with folk performances, fairs, and religious processions.

6. Effigy Burning in Maharashtra:

   • In Maharashtra, Dussehra is celebrated by performing the ritual of Seemollanghan, which involves crossing the village boundary and collecting Apta leaves, symbolizing gold. These leaves are then exchanged among friends and family as a symbol of prosperity and good luck.
   • Ravana effigies are burned in some regions, while in others, people perform traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya to celebrate the festival.

7. Cultural Fairs and Celebrations:

   • Many regions host melas (fairs), which include local crafts, food stalls, cultural performances, and games. These fairs serve as a gathering point for communities to come together in celebration.

Rituals and Customs:

1. Ramlila:

   • Ramlila is a theatrical reenactment of the Ramayana, showcasing important events in Lord Rama’s life, culminating in his victory over Ravana. It is performed over the nine days leading up to Dussehra and ends with the burning of effigies of Ravana and his kin.

2. Effigy Burning:

   • The most iconic custom of Dussehra is the burning of massive effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran. This act symbolizes the eradication of evil and is often accompanied by fireworks.

3. Durga Visarjan:

   • On Vijayadashami, the idol of Goddess Durga is taken for visarjan (immersion) into rivers or seas. This ritual symbolizes the return of the Goddess to her divine abode, after which devotees eagerly await her return next year.

4. Shami Puja:

   • In some regions, the Shami tree is worshipped as part of the Pandavas' story. The Pandavas are said to have hidden their weapons in a Shami tree during their exile. On Dussehra, people worship the tree and exchange its leaves, considered auspicious.

Conclusion:

Dussehra is a grand festival that embodies the values of truth, courage, and righteousness, celebrated in various forms across the country. It brings people together in a spirit of victory over evil, the importance of good conduct, and the power of divine grace. Whether through the burning of Ravana’s effigies, the worship of Goddess Durga, or the celebration of Ayudha Puja, Dussehra resonates deeply with the Indian ethos of triumphing over challenges and embracing virtue.