Bijaya Dashami: History and Significance

 Dashain, also known as Dashami,Vijayadashami or Dussehra, is one of the most significant festivals in Nepal, celebrated by Hindus across the country and in some regions of India and Bhutan. In India, it's particularly prominent in states like West Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. This festival typically spans 15 days, culminating in the main celebration on the day of Dashami.

Historical and Mythological Background

Dashain commemorates the victory of the goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The festival is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, with stories of various deities, particularly Durga, who embodies strength and power. The festival also marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana

Significance of Dashain

1. Victory of Good Over Evil: Dashain represents the eternal battle between good and evil, emphasizing the importance of righteousness.

2. Family Reunion: It is a time for families to come together, often involving long journeys back to ancestral homes.

3. Worship and Rituals: During Dashain, people perform rituals to honor their deities, particularly the goddess Durga, and seek blessings for health, prosperity, and success.

4. Animal Sacrifice: In some communities, animal sacrifices are made as offerings to appease the deities.

Celebrations and Traditions

• Ghatasthapana: The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, where a sacred jar (ghata) filled with water is placed in a sacred space, marking the start of the nine-day Navaratri.

• Navaratri: The first nine days are dedicated to the worship of Durga, where each day is associated with a different form of the goddess.

• Dashami: The tenth day, Dashami, is the climax of the festival, where families receive blessings from elders, often accompanied by the exchange of tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion) and jamara (barley grass).

• Feasting and Celebrations: The festival is marked by feasting, social gatherings, and various cultural activities, including dances and music.

  Common Practices

1. Rituals and Pujas: People perform rituals to bid farewell to Goddess Durga, often involving immersion of her idol in water bodies. Special prayers and offerings are made.

2. Ramlila and Dussehra Melas: In many places, theatrical performances called Ramlila are held, depicting the life of Lord Rama. Effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are burned in public displays, symbolizing the defeat of evil.

3. Family Gatherings: Families come together to celebrate, share festive meals, and exchange sweets.

4. Cultural Events: Various cultural activities, including dance, music, and art performances, are organized to mark the occasion.

5. New Beginnings: It’s considered an auspicious time to start new ventures or buy new items, symbolizing the triumph of good fortune.

Dashain is not only a religious observance but also a time of joy, cultural expression, and familial bonding. It reflects the rich traditions of Nepal and the enduring themes of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.