Dussehra or Vijayadashmi is the most popular of all the Indian festivals and takes place over 10 days, beginning on the first day of the Hindu Month of Ashwin (September-October). It celebrates Durga's victory over the buffaloheaded demon Mahishasura, and in some places it was once customary to sacrifice a buffalo on the day. The vibrant festivities last for ten days, of which nine nights are spent in worship, 'Navaratri'. The tenth day is devoted to the worship of goddess Durga, who occupies a special position in the Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses. She is 'Shakti', the cosmic energy which animates all beings.According to a Puranic legend attached to this day, the mighty demon Mahisasur, vanquished the gods and their king, Indra, who subsequently fled, leaving behind their kingdoms. They then approached the Holy Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who decided to destroy the megalomaniac demon, and thus prayed to the divine mother Durga to do the needful.
Equipped with lethal weapons, riding a ferocious lion, the Goddess in all her awesome majesty, vanquished the evil one without much ado. This day, thus, also celebrates the magnificence and omnipotence of Goddess Durga.
The offering of goats is usual, and those who cannot or will not make any animal sacrifice adopt a substitute in the shape of a white pumpkin supported on four sticks resembling the legs of a goat.
On the same day, Lord Rama, an avatar of Sri Vishnu fought Ravana, a ten headed demon and restored dharma (righteousness) on earth. In ma
ny places it culminates with the burning of huge images of the demon King Ravana of Lanka (Ceylon) and his accomplice, symbolic of the triumph of good over evil.On Vijayadashmi, people worship weapons, tools and implements of their trade. They have sumptuous meals at noon and towards evening they don holiday attire and gather together to worship sami (presenpis specigara) or in its absence the Apta (Bauhima racemosa ) tree. On this day the leaves of Apta are supposed to symbolize gold and are exchanged while greeting one another. The Dussehra day is considered highly auspicious for the undertaking of any new work or business.
