Dussehra celebrations and Ravan Dahan at Hindu Temple of Rockies Colorado 2025 | USA diaries

Dussehra is a Hindu festival, also called Vijayadashami, that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, which is marked by Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana and Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. It is celebrated after the nine-day Navratri festival with the burning of Ravana's effigies and the immersion of Durga idols in water, serving as a reminder of hope, justice, and the importance of moral values in overcoming inner and external challenges.

What Dussehra is:
A major Hindu festival that marks the end of the nine-day Navratri festival, during which people worship the goddess Durga.
Also known as Vijayadashami, which translates to "victory on the tenth day".
Celebrated on the tenth day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Ashvin.

Why Dussehra is celebrated:
Victory over evil: The primary significance of Dussehra is to commemorate the victory of good over evil.
Lord Rama's victory: It marks the triumph of Lord Rama, an avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu, over the 10-headed demon king Ravana, who had abducted Rama's wife, Sita.
Goddess Durga's victory: In some parts of India, particularly in Eastern India, it also celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo-demon Mahishasura.
Symbolic meaning: The festival serves as a potent reminder that light always has the power to vanquish darkness and that hope and goodness will ultimately prevail.
Personal growth: The preceding Navratri festival involves fasting and reflection, encouraging people to cleanse themselves and foster a commitment to personal improvement and inner victories over negative qualities like anger, greed, and ego.

How it is celebrated:
Burning of effigies: In many parts of India, especially Northern India, large and colorful effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghanada are burned to symbolize the destruction of evil.
Ram Leela: Theatrical reenactments of the story of Rama's life and battle with Ravana, known as Ram Leela, are performed.
Durga idols immersion: In West Bengal and other eastern regions, the festival is the grand finale to Durga Puja, culminating in the ceremonial immersion of the idols of Goddess Durga into rivers and seas.