Dussehra 2011

Dussehra Cards

India is more commonly described as a land of festivals. This land with unity in diversity has numerous popular festivals and occasions. One such very popular occasion of India is Dussehra. This significant occasion of the Hindus mark the victory of the good forces over the evils. It is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and zeal throughout the country. This festival is also marked with various names. For instance, one popular name of Dussehra is ‘Vaijayadashmi’, which means victory and the tenth day. The tenth day of the Navratri is celebrated as Dussehra. This remarkable day is observed throughout the country, but the mode of celebrations and the rituals differ from one state to another. Date of Dussehra 2011 is 6th October.

Celebrations of Dussehra 2011
The most popular legend behind the celebrations of Dussehra says that on this day Lord Shri Rama rescued his wife Sita and killed Ravana, the demon king. This incident signifies the victory of the good over the evil powers that is why it is believed that Dussehra celebrations mark the triumph of the good over all types of bad forces. In northern parts of India, on the occasion of Dussehra, large effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnath and his brother Kumbhkarna are burnt. Loads of crackers and other fireworks are placed inside these huge effigies. Moreover several plays are organized portraying the final battle moments of Lord Shri Rama, his wife Sita and devoted brother Lakshmana. At the festive time of Dussehra, big fairs known as ‘Ramlila’ are also organized. In fact, it is said that the popular fairs are some of the main attractions of Dussehra.

This day signifies the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon King Mahishasura and triumph of Lord Shri Rama over demon king Ravana. In the southern states of India mainly in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Dussehra holds different significance. On this day, a tradition called Vidyarambam, which means beginning of study, is performed by the people. Moreover, people perform Saraswati puja on Dussehra in the southern states of India. In the state of West Bengal, clay idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in the sacred water body. It can be said that Dussehra actually means the culmination of Navratri’s nine day celebrations. In other words, the nine day celebrations of Navratri are preceded by Dussehra.

People consider this day as a very sacred day to begin a new venture such as pursuing education and learning some art forms. It is a common belief that if we start anything on this day it will surely be a success.