How To Celebrate Dussehra Festival With Family

by sunil gavaskar clan member

The Dussehra festival is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. This day symbolises the triumph of good over evil. Dussehra is also known as Vijayadashmi, which is believed to be the day Lord Ram killed the demon king Ravana to rescue his wife Sita. This day is celebrated by burning effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakaran and son Meghnath. This ritual signifies the destruction of evil.

Many people perform plays known as Ram Leela to depict this story of good over evil, which is based on the epic Hindu saga Ramayana. As per the Hindu lunar calendar, the celebration of the Vijayadashami festival happens for ten days during the Ashvin month. In some parts of India Dussehra is an important part of Durga Puja or Navratri (nine nights that celebrate the nine avatars of Maa Durga). Other regions celebrate just Dussehra in a grand manner. For instance, the Mysore Dussehra is one of the most spectacular and extravagant events in India.

Dussehra 2016 falls on the 11^th of October. So, if you are planning to celebrate this festival with your family, here is what you can do to make this day more joyous.

- It is always a great idea to be a part of a Ram Leela or to enrol your kids in a play to know a little more about the history behind Dussehra.

- Wear new clothes and set out to different venues that celebrate Dussehra festival in the traditional way.

- It is also a great time to recite stories from the Ramayana that guide and inspire us while you sit down with your entire family.

- You can also visit various Durga puja pandals to check out the Vijayadashami Puja Vidhi and to get to know a little more about this festival.

- Gather together with friends and family on this auspicious day and have a feast of savoury dishes and mouth-watering sweets.

- Take part in making eco-friendly effigies of Ravana, which can be burnt later without causing harm to your surroundings.

These are some of the ways in which you can celebrate Dussehra with your loved ones. This vibrant festival comes right after the nine days of celebrating the avatars of Shakti or Goddess Durga. It is also like the culmination of Navratri. So, soak into the rich tradition and auspicious vibe of Dussehra and enrich your soul with the power of good energy that purifies you and eliminates all evil.