The tenth day of Navratri is known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. It signifies the triumph of virtue over vice. Find out about the ceremonies, significance, history, and date.
Dussehra, the auspicious festival, is rapidly approaching. This day, also observed as Vijayadashami, Dasara, or Dashain, symbolises the triumph of good over evil since it was on this day when Mahishasura was vanquished by Maa Durga and Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana.
According to the Hindu Luni-Solar Calendar, it occurs on the tenth day of Ashwin, the seventh month. Maa Durga’s followers celebrate Dussehra with great fanfare on the tenth day following the nine days of Navratri. In West Bengal, Vijayadashami is well-known, although the name “Dussehra” is more prevalent in the states of North India and Karnataka.
Bengalis perform Durga Visarjan to commemorate the event, during which devotees immerse Maa Durga’s idols in sacred bodies of water. In addition, there are Ram Lila performances all around the nation, massive festivals, and big crowds of people watching Ravan effigies catch fire.
When is the 2023 Dussehra? Vijayadashami Puja Muhurat:
October 24 is Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra. According to Drik Panchang, the Vijaya Muhurat starts at 1:58 pm and ends at 2:43 pm. The Puja period in the afternoon runs from 1:13 pm to 3:28 pm. The Shravana Nakshatra runs from October 22 at 6:44 pm to October 23 at 5:14 pm, while the Dashami Tithi begins on October 23 at 5:44 pm and ends on October 24 at 3:14 pm.
Dussehra 2023: The History and Significance of Vijayadashami
In the Hindu lunar calendar, Dussehra falls on Shukla Paksha Dashmi in the month of Ashwin, one day after Maha Navami or at the conclusion of Shardiya Navratri. On Vijayadashami, good triumphs over evil. In Hindu mythology, this day marks the victory of Lord Rama over the evil ruler of Lanka, Ravana. According to a different narrative, Maa Durga vanquished Mahishasura following a nine-day, intense struggle.
Dussehra also signifies the start of the Diwali festivities. It occurs twenty days prior to the festivals of light, which commemorate the return of Lord Lakshman, Maa Sita, and Lord Rama. The theme of the Vijayadashmi festival is the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. People pray for health and wealth on this day. Furthermore, in many regions of the nation, worshipping the Shami tree on the day of Vijayadashami is very important because it is thought that Arjun concealed his weapons within the tree when he was exiled.
Dussehra 2023: Celebrations of Vijayadashami
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated in North India and a few other regions of the country by setting aflame the effigies of Ravana, the valiant warrior son of Ravana and the brother of the Lankan king, Kumbhkaran. Every day for nine days during Navratri, there is an enactment of Rama’s narrative called Ramlila. On the ninth day, Ravana is killed, marking the conclusion of the story. Since one undesirable attribute is symbolised by each of Ravana’s ten heads, Dussehra also means shedding sins and evil traits.
In Bengal, worshippers bid Maa Durga adieu by submerging her idols in bodies of water. In addition, they ask the Goddess to visit them the following year and protect them from all misfortunes and calamities.
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Background of Sindur Khela
Sindur Khela is said to have originated 400 years ago in West Bengal and certain regions of Bangladesh, when indigenous women initiated the custom. Soon after, the custom spread to other regions of India and is now a crucial component of the Vijayadashmi festival.
Rituals of Sindur Khela
During Sindur Khela, Bengali women, adorned in exquisite traditional saris and jewels, smear sindoor on one other after applying it to the goddess’s feet and forehead. The custom creates joy and happiness among the women and encourages camaraderie. Devi Boron is the custom by which followers of Durga tell the goddess farewell by drawing a betel leaf on their palms and putting it to her face, metaphorically wiping away Maa Durga’s tears as she gets ready to part with her parents and travel to live with her husband. Sweets are provided after sindoor is applied to her forehead, followed by her bangles (shakha and pola).
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