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| Vijyadasmi
(Dushera) |
Vijaya-Dashmi is a Hindu festival
celebrated all over India with much pomp,
fun and frolic. Navratri starts on the first
day of the month of Aso according to the Hindu
calendar and celebrated for 9 days. The 10th
day is the festival of Vijaya Dashmi. So many
brave and bold people have set out for victory
and they were victorious, therefore we call
this day Vijaya-Dashmi (10th day of victory)
and have woven them in our lives. The meaning
of this festival is to revive and remember
the past victories and so get inspiration
and make for a secure future.
On this day, the demon, Mahishasura, who was
harassing the humans and Devas was defeated
and killed by the Goddess Durgadevi after
9 days of continuous fight. In this way, Goddess
Durgadevi had protected the human beings and
the Devas. On this day, Shri Ramchandraji
also attacked Ravan, who had abducted Sita,
and achieved victory over him. On the same
day, centuries later, the Pandavas too, took
out their arms hidden in the Shamir tree during
thirteen years of living incognito in the
forest and attacked Duryodhana's army and
gained victory. It is the birth date of Lord
Buddha who preached peace and non-violence
to the world. Thus, so many victory marches
and victory battles have been fought on this
day. The main lesson of this day is that the
forces of righteousness can conquer the forces
of evil and establish peace in the world.
In this manner the day of Vijaya-Dashmi is
considered auspicious for starting any activity.
In the past, farmers paid obeisance to their
ploughs and bullocks; industrialists to their
machines; Kings marched in a procession with
much pomp. Nowadays, in towns and villages,
horse races, archery and other games and fairs
are organised. People come from far-away places
with their wares to these fairs. The young
and old, clad in their colourful garments
come to have a merry time. In some places,
Krishna-lilas are held which keep the cultural
and religious fervour high in the hearts of
all people.
On this auspicious day the merchants pay respect
to their books, artists pay homage to their
arts, and any other auspicious activities
are started on this day. Traditionally, to
commemorate this day, Hindus all over the
world burn an effigy of Ravan depicting triumph
of the good over the evils
It is important to understand the meaning
behind this festival. The protection of one's
country, religion, activities, boldness, peace
and non-violence are the qualities in the
message of this day. |
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