Interesting Dussehra Facts That You Should Know

 

The festival of Dussehra celebrates the victory of wisdom over ignorance, light over darkness, and good over evil. The first time Dussehra was observed was to commemorate Lord Rama's triumph over Ravana. It was the day that Lord Rama conquered Demon King Ravana in Lanka following a protracted conflict. According to mythology, Ravana kidnapped Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, and in order to retrieve her, Lord Rama had to fight the Demon King.

The celebration of Dussehra – Facts You Wouldn’t Know

As in previous years, Dussehra in 2022 will mark the start of India's protracted holiday season. It will be observed on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, in India. Diwali is celebrated on the new moon day, exactly 20 days after Dussehra, usually in the months of October or November. It's possible that you heard stories and legends about this celebration your entire childhood. We decided to build a list of 30 interesting facts about Dussehra that you might not be aware of.

1. The name Dussehra is derived from the Sanskrit phrase Dash Hara, which in English means "the defeat of the Sun." Hindu texts claim that the Sun would never have risen again if Lord Rama had not vanquished Ravana.

2. Ashwin, the tenth month of the Hindu calendar, is when Dussehra is observed. It occurs sometime in November or October.

3. Dussehra is also known as Vijay Dashmi in several Hindu subcultures, which signifies triumph on the tenth day. To commemorate Goddess Durga's victory over the Demon King Mahishasura, it is observed as Vijay Dashmi.

4. Mahishasura was an extremely strong demon king known as an asura. He would brutally abuse helpless victims. To put an end to Mahishasura's evil deeds at that time, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh combined their powers to create Shakti.

5. On the day of Dussehra, Goddess Chamundeshwari is revered in Mysore.

6. The Dussehra celebration is known as Golu in Tamil Nadu. The idols are designed to portray a variety of scenes from their history and tradition. Legend has it that all other Gods and Goddesses gave their powers to Goddess Durga since she needed them so much. As a result, they became motionless like statues.

7. On the first day of Navratri, it is customary in Northern India to plant barley seeds in earthen pots. These sprouts are utilised as lucky symbols on the day of Dussehra. The men tuck them behind their ears or in their caps.

8. According to certain myths, Goddess Durga visited her birthplace on Earth along with her offspring Lakshmi, Ganesha, Kartik, and Saraswati and stayed there for a while. On the day of Dussehra, she returned to her husband Lord Shiva.

9. Many Hindu groups practise the returning of married and single women to their homes because Goddess Durga is returning to Earth, or her home.

10. According to popular belief, the first lavish Dussehra festival took place in the Mysore Palace in the 17th century on the king Wodeyar's orders. Since then, Dussehra has been grandly observed throughout the nation.

11. The city of Mysore hosts India's most well-known Dussehra events. On this day, Goddess Chamundeshwari is adored, and a large procession of her idol is carried around the city. Lights and colour are used to embellish all significant structures.

12. Kullu in Himachal Pradesh hosts one of India's other well-known Dussehra festivals. To take part in this enormous festival, individuals travel from all over the nation to Kullu, also known as the Valley of the Gods. Beginning on the tenth day of Navratri, or Dussehra, it lasts for a week. Lord Raghunath and other gods are taken around the town in a parade to begin.

13. In addition to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Malaysia also celebrate Dussehra. In Malaysia, today is a holiday. It is celebrated with equal zeal in these countries as they have a substantial Hindu population.

14. The harvesting of Kharif crops and the planting of Rabi crops coincide with Dussehra. All farmers have great reasons to celebrate this anniversary.

16. The festival of Dussehra marks the manifestation of the strength of both Lord Rama and Goddess Durga. Lord Rama had learned the technique for defeating Ravana from Goddess Durga.

17. Ramleela performances take place all around the nation to commemorate the ten days of Navratri. The scene of Lord Rama defeating Ravana occurs on the last day of Dussehra. An image of Ravana is set ablaze to signify the conclusion of Ramleela.

18. The Ramleela Maidan in Delhi, which was affectionately named after the play's performance, hosts the largest Ramleela. It is attended by important personalities, including the Prime Minister of India.

19. The destruction of the ten heads of Ravana, which stand in for all the soul's evils, is symbolised by the burning of the effigies. Each of his heads represents a different evil: kama represents lust, krodha represents anger, moha represents attachment, lobh represents greed, mada represents pride, swarth represents selfishness, matsara represents jealousy, ahankara represents ego, amanavta represents lack of humanity, and anyaya represents injustice.

20. Along with the effigy of Ravana, the effigies of Kumbhkarna and Meghanad are also destroyed.

21. It is thought that Emperor Asoka turned to Buddhism during Dussehra.

22. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar made his Buddhist conversion on Dussehra.

23. The burning of Ravana's effigy is the most significant Dussehra custom. But due to his devotion to Lord Shiva, Ravana is revered in six locations throughout India. Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh; Bisrakh, Uttar Pradesh; Gadchiroli, Maharashtra; Kangra, Himachal Pradesh; Mandya and Kolar, Karnataka; and Jodhpur are among these locations (Rajasthan).

24. Ravana was an expert combatant who also had a deep understanding of astrology and the Vedas.

25. Ravana was a mix of Brahmin and demon. Ishwashrava, a sage from the Pulastya clan, was his father. Kaikasi, his mother, was a demon.

26. Ravana was a superb king who was familiar with all the ins and outs of ruling a country. When Lord Rama killed Ravana, he instructed his brother Lakshmana to go and learn the art of running a kingdom and diplomacy from the dying king.

27. Ravana obtained the blessing of immortality from Lord Brahma after meditating for a long period of time. But later it was down to his life gathering around his navel. Vibhishana, Ravana's brother, told Lord Rama this information, which caused Ravana to perish.