Vijayadashami and Dussehra: The Celebration of Victory

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals in India, marking the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated on the tenth day of Navratri, this festival not only commemorates the slaying of demons by divine forces but also symbolizes the universal truth that evil is always vanquished in the face of good, purity, and righteousness. Each region in India celebrates it with unique customs and tales, adding to the rich cultural tapestry of this occasion.

The Meaning Behind Vijayadashami and Dussehra

The names Vijayadashami and Dussehra may seem interchangeable but have subtle differences. Vijayadashami translates to “Victory on the Tenth Day,” and emphasizes the aspect of victory achieved by the goddess Durga, who defeated the demon Mahishasura after a ten-day-long battle. Dussehra, on the other hand, is derived from “Dasha-Hara,” meaning “the defeat of the ten-headed Ravana.” It primarily celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, as depicted in the epic Ramayana.

In essence, Vijayadashami is more focused on Goddess Durga's power and victory, while Dussehra aligns with the story of Lord Rama, highlighting different aspects of the same victory of righteousness over wickedness.

The Divine Goddess of Vijayadashami

Vijayadashami honors Goddess Durga as the divine feminine force who embodies the combined energies of all gods and is considered an embodiment of power, wisdom, and compassion. According to Hindu belief, Goddess Durga transformed herself into a fierce warrior goddess to defeat Mahishasura, a powerful demon who could not be defeated by any man or god. This day thus celebrates the power of the divine feminine and Goddess Durga’s fierce love and protective force over her devotees.

The Nine Days of Navratri and the Nine Forms of Durga

The nine days preceding Vijayadashami, known as Navratri, are dedicated to the worship of nine forms of Goddess Durga. Each goddess is a unique facet of Durga, each day symbolizing a specific aspect of the goddess and her divine attributes:

1. Shailaputri: Daughter of the Himalayas, symbolizing strength.
2. Brahmacharini: Goddess of asceticism and discipline.
3. Chandraghanta: Warrior goddess with a crescent moon, representing courage.
4. Kushmanda: The creator of the universe, embodying creative power.
5. Skandamata: Mother of Kartikeya, symbolizing nurturing and motherly care.
6. Katyayani: A fierce goddess, worshiped for courage and love.
7. Kalaratri: The dark goddess, symbolizing destruction of negativity.
8. Mahagauri: A beautiful goddess, symbolizing peace and purity.
9. Siddhidatri: Giver of supernatural powers and wisdom.

On Vijayadashami, devotees celebrate the culmination of worship, honoring Goddess Durga’s ultimate triumph over the demon Mahishasura, and, by extension, all the negative forces in life.

Is Non-Vegetarian Food Allowed on Dussehra?

Customarily, Navratri is observed as a time of fasting, purification, and adherence to a vegetarian diet, culminating on Dussehra. While it is considered auspicious to maintain a vegetarian diet throughout Navratri and even on Dussehra, practices vary by region and family tradition. In some parts of India, Dussehra is a time of celebration and feasting, where eating non-vegetarian food is permitted. Ultimately, this practice is rooted more in personal belief and family tradition.

Rituals and Celebrations on Vijayadashami

On Vijayadashami, many families perform special pooja rituals at home or in temples. Traditional Ayudha Pooja, performed on the ninth day, involves worshiping tools, weapons, and instruments, signifying respect for one’s livelihood and a nod to the goddess's warrior aspect. Ayudha Pooja is sometimes seen as the preparatory day leading into Vijayadashami, where new tools are consecrated and old tools are honored. Hence, Ayudha Pooja and Vijayadashami are closely linked but not synonymous.

The Legend of Rama and Ravana: Dussehra

Dussehra is also the day when Lord Rama, with the blessings of Goddess Durga, defeated the demon king Ravana after a fierce battle. Symbolic effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnad are burnt on this day to signify the destruction of evil. The burning of Ravana’s ten heads symbolizes the victory over ten negative traits such as anger, attachment, pride, jealousy, selfishness, hatred, and greed. This tradition, often accompanied by fireworks, reinforces the celebration of righteousness.

Can We Marry on Vijayadashami?

Vijayadashami is regarded as one of the most auspicious days of the year in the Hindu calendar, ideal for new beginnings, including marriages, housewarmings, and other ceremonies. Since the day is associated with success and divine blessings, many believe it brings good fortune, making it a favored date for weddings and other significant life events.

The Colors of the Goddesses

In Hindu iconography, colors play a significant role in depicting the essence of each goddess. Goddess Parvati is often associated with green or white, representing fertility and purity. Meanwhile, Maa Kali, an intense form of Durga, is associated with dark or red hues, symbolizing her fierceness and bloodlust against demons. These colors have deep symbolic meaning, and devotees wear specific colors during Navratri to honor each form of the goddess.

Durga as the Divine Feminine

Durga, often referred to as Shakti, is the quintessential divine feminine force in Hindu mythology. She is the mother, the warrior, the nurturer, and the protector, embodying power in its purest form. Durga’s story of slaying Mahishasura is not just a tale of good versus evil but also a testament to feminine resilience and strength. As the universal mother and protector, she is considered the embodiment of love and grace, bestowing these virtues upon her devotees.

Significance and Teachings of Vijayadashami

The celebration of Vijayadashami holds numerous lessons. It emphasizes that while the path to righteousness may be challenging, it ultimately prevails. This festival encourages people to confront their inner demons, just as Goddess Durga and Lord Rama defeated external ones. The festival’s tales inspire individuals to lead lives of integrity, uphold justice, and maintain humility, kindness, and respect for all beings.

Conclusion

The spirit of Vijayadashami lies in the enduring triumph of good over evil, a reminder to conquer our weaknesses and embrace virtues. It’s a day of joy, renewal, and divine blessings, celebrated across India with colorful processions, rituals, and a profound reverence for the goddesses who guide us towards inner and outer victory.