Happy Dussehra!!

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, is one of the most prominent Hindu festivals. The name of the festival itself portrays the reason of celebration.

Dussehra is made up of Das meaning Ten and Ahara meaning Removal or defeat. Thus signifying the defeat of the ten-headed Ravana by Lord Rama in Ramayana. Furthermore, Vijayadashmi means the tenth day of victory thus signifying the triumph of a demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga on the tenth day of their battle.

All over India, the festival is celebrated lavishly. In West Bengal, various pandaals with Goddess Durga and other deities are created and worshipped. In the colourful state of Gujarat, Garba is played throughout the night after worshipping Goddess Durga. Also in states of North India, effigies of the demons Ravana, Meghanad and Kumbhakaran are set on fire.

The occasion of Dussehra also gives all of us an opportunity to understand that just like the victory of good over evil in mythology, we should believe in the power of our mind and our capabilities to achieve anything that we desire. More importantly, we should make an effort to identify our vices instead of surrendering to them. If we are able to eradicate our vices, our life will be filled with happiness, contentment and prosperity and the true essence of celebrating Dussehra will be fulfilled...