The festival of Dussehra celebrated on the tenth day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin, according to the Hindu calendar. It is believed that Lord Ram had killed Ravana by worshiping Goddess Durga, hence on the occasion of Dussehra, people burn the effigy of Ravana with great joy and enthusiasm.
After worshiping the various forms of Goddess Durga for nine days during Navratri, the immersion of Goddess Durga’s idol is performed on this day as well. It is believed that on the day of Dussehra, Goddess Durga returns to her world from the earth.
Dussehra is the festival of good over evil
There is also a belief regarding Dussehra that on this day Lord Rama freed the earth from the burden of sin by killing Ravana. Therefore, on the day of Dussehra, people celebrate by burning the effigy of Ravana and consider it the festival of victory of good over evil. People wear new clothes on the occasion of this festival. Sweets and dishes are prepared at home. Besides, a Dussehra fair is also organized where children enjoy a lot. Therefore, Dussehra is also considered a festival of joy and enthusiasm.
Who is worshiped on Dussehra?
There is a tradition of worshiping weapons on Dussehra. Actually, on this day warriors and soldiers worship their weapons. This tradition continues even today. In ancient times, on this day, kings used to go out of their borders and enter other states and also used to wage war to expand their borders. Therefore, this day is also called border violation. On the occasion of Dussehra celebrated, Goddess Durga’s Yogini Shakti and consorts Jaya and Vijaya Devi are also worshipped. Because it is only through their grace that one attains Vijayashree (the goddess of victory).
Why Dussehra is called Yatra Tithi?
It is believed that there is no need to look at the auspicious time and calendar for traveling on this day. You can embark on a journey in any direction. Therefore, the day of Dussehra is also called Yatra Tithi because on this day the Yatra of Goddess Durga begins.
Shami worship on Dussehra
There is a tradition of worshiping the Shami tree on the day of Dussehra. Actually, there is an ancient story behind it. It was from the Shami tree that Kubera, the treasurer of the gods, gave gold to King Dasharatha.
Eating paan and seeing Neelkanth on the day of Dussehra also has its own importance. It is believed that this makes the whole year pass in happiness.