The festival of Dussehra, celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, marks the end of the nine-day Navratri Utsav and Durga Puja celebrations. It is a day that symbolizes the victory of good over evil and holds great significance in the country’s cultural and religious fabric.
On this auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt greetings to the nation. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “Best wishes to the countrymen on Vijayadashami. With the blessings of Maa Durga and Lord Shri Ram, I wish that all of you achieve victory in every sphere of life.” His message reflected the spirit of the festival, which brings hope, joy, and a sense of renewal.
Dussehra holds dual significance, commemorating two iconic victories of good over evil. The first is the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, as narrated in the epic Ramayana. This story symbolizes the victory of truth, righteousness, and goodness as Lord Rama rescues Goddess Sita from Ravana’s captivity after a fierce battle. The burning of Ravana’s effigy, a common tradition during Dussehra, signifies the destruction of evil forces.
The second narrative celebrated during Dussehra is Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. After a battle that lasted nine days, Maa Durga, embodying Shakti, slayed Mahishasura on the tenth day, restoring peace and righteousness. This symbolizes the power of good and the courage to stand up against evil, reflecting the festival’s core message of hope and justice.
The festival of Dussehra is not just a religious celebration but also an opportunity for people to embrace new beginnings, seek blessings for future endeavors, and foster unity and peace in society.
