Celebrate Dussehra 2018

by sunil gavaskar clan member

In Dussehra (19th Oct., 2018 Friday), like every year, the preparations for the festival are also the matter of sight.  The huge effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarna and Ravana’s son Meghnaad are installed with a huge celebration and burnt on the fairs and Ramlila ground. These effigies are filled with different types of fire crackers that help the effigy to burn out and Dramatic re-enactments are held which depict the story of how Lord Rama achieved victory over Ravana on this day portraying the reason behind, why we celebrate vijay dashmi.

Dussehra is also known as Vijayadashmi festival since its connection with Goddess Durga. Vijaydashami falls on the tenth day, after the nine divine days of Navaratri in the months of September- October. According to the Vedic scriptures, it is the day when Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahisasura. She got her name as Mahishasura Mardini, meaning the slayer of Mahishasura. The legent goes this way: The celebrated legend in North India is about Mahishasura who worshipped Lord Brahma and obtained the power of eternity. After he slaughtered masses of people who opposed him, the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva united their powers and created a divine female warrior, known as Goddess Durga. Mahishasura fascinated by Goddess Durga’s beauty that he approached her with the intention of marriage. The goddess agreed to marry him, but put forth a condition. Mahishasura would have to win over her in a battle. Mahishasura, agreed immediately and fought Durga for nine days leading to his own defeat. 

In some north eastern states like West Bengal, Uttrar Pradesh and others, this day is celebrated as the last day of Durga Puja. Huge Goddess Durga idols are immersed in rivers lakes and other water bodies thus marking Her homeward journey to Mount Kailash.

Dussehra being such a significant festival is celebrated with great zeal in all parts of the country. People must be wondering how they can celebrate Vijaya dashami at home with family. Here are some guidelines to celebrate Dussehra at home:

• Discuss the stories of the legendary king Rama.

• Honor the festival as victory of good over the evil.

• Take children to local fairs/melas and let them watch the “Ramlila”.

• Buy the kids some props like swords, dhanusha, gadda, masks of various characters etc.

• Encourage children to be creative and make Dussehra crafts like a bow and arrow and similar crafts.

• Play the narrations and chants highlighting the life story of Lord Rama.

So, these could be some of the ways that might help you celebrate the upcoming Dussehra 2018 date at home and take every opportunity to learn from the auspicious day, when truth always wins over untruth.

 

 

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Created on Oct 2nd 2018 08:08. Viewed 1,997 times.

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