Dussehra also known as Vijayadashami is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated in various forms across India, Nepal and Bangladesh. The name Dussehra origins from Sanskrit literature Dasha-hara which means removal of ten denoting lord Rama’s victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana. This day also notices the triumph of Goddess Durga Devi over the demon Mahishasur, the king of asuras.

The word Vijayadashami is also originated from Sanskrit literature “vijaya-dashmi” which means the victory on Dashmi (the tenth lunar day of the Hindu calendar). This festival is celebrated on the tenth day of the month Ashwin according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar which matches to September or October of the Gregorian calendar. The first nine days were celebrated as Maha Navratri (nine nights) or Sharada Navratri(the most important Navratri) and the tenth day as Dussehra.

In India, this is the beginning of the harvest season. Harvesting new crops begins with rituals and religious performances which are believed to regenerate the soil. People of Hindu religion have social gatherings and offers food to the gods at home and in temples throughout India.

Story of Dussehra:

This began in Treta Yuga(era), Lord Rama also called Shri Ram, the seventh avatar of lord Vishnu, who was exiled by his father Dasharatha for fourteen years on demand of kaikeyi (one of the three wife’s of king Dasharatha) who wished to pass the throne to her son Bharata (brother of lord Rama). Obeying his father’s orders, lord Rama with his wife Sita and his devoted brother Lakshmana left the kingdom.

One day on their exile journey, Sita has been abducted by the demon Ravana who came in disguise and tricked Sita to cross the rekha( line drawn by lakshmana for the safety of Sita in their absence) and took her to his kingdom of lanka, which is now known as Srilanka. Lord Rama and Lakshmana began a quest to get back Sita from the demon Ravana. Lord Rama, lakshmana and their loyal follower Hanuman and an army of monkeys fought a great battle to rescue Sita by killing the great demon Ravana.

This day marked as a very special importance in the history of Hindu religion, the day evil forces got defeated by the good. People celebrate this festival with joy and happiness. The celebration begins with the prayer to Shami/Jammi tree. This also marks a very important day in their history.

In way back to Dvapara Yuga another era after Treta yuga, there lived King Pandavas (five acknowledged sons of Pandu and Kunti) lost to Kauravas in a game of dice, had to spent twelve years of Vanawas (exile to the forest), followed by a year of Agnyatawas. During this final year, Pandavas hid their weapons in a hole on a Shami/Jammi tree to hide their identity. Since that day, Shami trees and weapons have been worshiped and the exchange of Shami leaves on Vijayadashami has been a symbol of good will and victory.

In the evening after the prayer to the tree, the younger ones places the Jammi leaves in the hands of elders and takes their blessings. After that, all together go to the nearest social gatherings to watch the show where the Ravana’s idol is destroyed by fire.

Dussehra-video-greetings

Send video greetings to your near and dear ones wishing them a happy and prosperous Dussehra. Capture your festival moments with your family members and make a memorable video greeting and share among your dear ones.