Dussehra: “Triumph of Good over Evil”
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrating the victory of good over evil. It marks Lord Rama’s triumph over the demon king Ravana, as narrated in the ancient epic Ramayana, symbolizing the eternal prevalence of truth, righteousness, and dharma in life.
Significance & Importance
- Victory of Good Over Evil: Dussehra commemorates the moment when Lord Rama, aided by Hanuman and his loyal army, vanquished Ravana after a ten-day battle, rescuing Sita and restoring dharma.
- Symbol of Renewal: It marks the end of Navratri and Durga Puja. In many regions, Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura is also celebrated, reinforcing the festival as a time to let go of negativity and welcome new beginnings.
- Auspicious New Beginnings: Vijayadashami is considered one of the most favourable days for starting new projects, education, or ventures; marriages, business inaugurations, and worship of tools (Ayudha Puja/Astra-Shastra) are commonly performed today.
Traditions & Rituals Across India
- Ram Leela Performances: Communities host dramatic reenactments of the Ramayana’s pivotal scenes, culminating in the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna—known as Ravana Dahan—symbolizing the destruction of inner and outer evil.
- Durga Visarjan: In Bengal and eastern India, Dussehra coincides with the immersion of Durga idols, marking her return to the cosmos after vanquishing Mahishasura.
- Ayudha Puja: In southern states, tools, vehicles, and instruments are cleaned, decorated, and honored as a mark of gratitude for livelihood and knowledge.
- Prasad & Sweets: Traditional dishes like jalebi, laddoo, puri, and kheer are offered to deities and distributed among community members, reinforcing sharing and goodwill.
- Temple Visits & Tika Ceremony: Devotees receive vermilion (tika) from elders for protection and luck and offer prayers in temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Durga.
Vedic Astrology Remedies & Observances
Dussehra is not only a symbolic celebration but also auspicious for specific astrological remedies that enhance positivity and remove obstacles:
- Shami Tree Worship: As per scriptures, worshipping the Shami tree on Dussehra brings strength and protection; Pandavas hid their weapons under a Shami tree during exile, making it a symbol of victory.
- Aparajita Puja: Performing Aparajita (Durga) Puja at dusk invites invincible blessings, useful for overcoming persistent challenges in one’s horoscope.
- Start New Ventures: Initiate education, business, or creative endeavors on Vijayadashami for planetary support and long-term success.
- Ram Raksha Stotra: Recite this hymn for protection, courage, and purifying negative planetary influences.
- Donate Food & Clothes: Acts of charity performed today help pacify malefic planetary effects, attract blessings, and improve karmic outcomes.
- Clean and Worship Tools: As done in Ayudha Puja, respect the instruments and resources that support your career and goals—especially powerful for enhancing Mercury and Sun in the horoscope.
Dussehra is more than a festival—it is a spiritual call to conquer personal darkness, reflect on moral values, and welcome new beginnings. Its traditions and astrological remedies invite victory, renewal, and abundance for all who observe it with sincerity and devotion.
