Dussehra: One day, many stories

Burning of effigies of the 10-headed Ravana, bursting of firecrackers, distribution of sweets, and the dramatic re-enactment of Ramayana accurately sums up Dussehra. This is a day that celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

Dussehra has its origins in the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana which is the story of Rama, the son of King Dasaratha of Ayodhya. The story goes that Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana spent 14 years in exile. During this exile, the demon king of Lanka Ravana abducted Sita, keeping her captive, trying to win her love. Until Rama, along with his brother, loyal devotee Hanuman and an army of monkeys made his way into Lanka to rescue her. This resulted in an epic war between Rama and Ravana that is said to have lasted 10 days. It ended on Dashami with the victory of the valiant Rama. This glorious victory is commemorated by Hindus all over the world.

Dussehra which falls on the 10th day of the Ashvin month in the lunar calendar also marks the advent of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. On the Gregorian calendar, this day falls in September or October.  

A pious day

Hindus consider Dussehra as one of the most auspicious days of the year. It is said buying electronics, gold, vehicles or property on this day can bring you luck. People look forward to scheduling inaugurations, purchasing new vehicles and taking big steps in their life on this day. It is widely believed Dussehra is a day of success, victory and luck.

Numerous legends demonstrate why this day is considered so auspicious. Soulveda decided to trace some of these legends across time.   

Lord Shiva explains

Goddess Parvati once asked her beloved husband Lord Shiva about Dussehra’s auspiciousness. Shiva told her that on the 10th day of the month of Ashvin, a star rises in the sky–a phase known as Vijaya Kaal. This phase is auspicious to get victory over enemies and start new ventures.

It is said that Rama attacked and emerged victorious over Ravana during the Vijaya Kaal, which can literally be translated to ‘Victory Hour’.