Dussehra is one of the most widely celebrated festivals of India. It has many names and with these many names, many stories are associated to them. Also called as Ayudhapuja is celebrated among Hindus from all over the world, but the most enthusiasm is seen in the people of India and Nepal. The prime word- Dussehra is derived from Dasha-hara is a form of Dashanan ravan ("Ravana's defeat").
Also this day is celebrated as the completion of fight of Maa Durga against Mahishasura. Goddess Durga fought with him for ten Days and 9 nights and won on the tenth day hence, named it Dussehra, or “Vijay Dashmi”.
Since the harvest season begins in India and Nepal at this time, the Durga is invoked by religious rituals to begin the harvest season and renew the fertility of the soil. Many Hindus observe the festival with social gatherings and food offerings to the gods at home and in temples throughout India and Nepal.
The tenth day “Vijay Dashmi” is the final conclusion of fight between Ram (seventh Avatar of the lord Vishnu) and Ravan. Ravan was the Demon who took Ram’s wife from him. Ram finally kills Ravan and hence the moral is displayed of Victory of truth against evil.
Also all the Nine Avatars of Maa Durga are praised in these ten days, people keep special care of their goddess and call them as their mother. They keep their wishes in front of her and hope that she hears to full fill them.
After the completion of the Nine days, the 10th day is celebrated by burning the a big giant structure of evil Ravan by “Arrow or Teer” that comes out from Ram’s “Bow or Dhanush”.
Also Goddess Durga is taken out in big road rallies to display and are later submerged into water to cool her down.
This festival embarks & represents India and its people, history and culture. People go out with family to roam with them and see the “Jhaankiya’ of Maa Durga and her 9 Avatars. Big Stadium and grounds are crowded for the display of epic “Ramleela” which is a storytelling of Ram’s journey.
The festival of light “Dussehra” is what makes India, called Bharat.
