Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara, is being celebrated on Tuesday with prayers, traditional rituals and cultural festivities, as people across India mark the triumph of good over evil and reaffirm their faith in truth, courage and righteousness.
The festival carries a message of hope, unity and renewal, drawing its significance from two major Hindu mythological traditions: Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana in the Ramayana and Goddess Durga’s defeat of the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The celebrations mark the culmination of Navratri in many parts of the country and conclude the major Durga Puja festivities in eastern India.
On the occasion, Dussehra greetings are being shared among families, friends and communities, with the festival offering an opportunity to reflect on the values of integrity, compassion and the triumph of justice over wrongdoing.
“May Dussehra bring happiness, peace, prosperity and good health to every home. May the festival inspire us to overcome our challenges, uphold truth and righteousness, and spread kindness and goodwill. Wishing everyone a joyful and blessed Dussehra.”
The legends behind Dussehra
According to the Ramayana, Dussehra commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, the king of Lanka, who abducted Rama’s wife, Sita. With the help of his brother Lakshmana, the devoted Hanuman and an allied army, Rama fought Ravana to rescue Sita and restore righteousness.
The burning of effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnath and his brother Kumbhakarna is a prominent feature of Dussehra celebrations in several parts of northern India. The ritual, often accompanied by Ramlila performances depicting episodes from the Ramayana, symbolises the destruction of evil and the consequences of arrogance and misuse of power.
Another important tradition links Vijayadashami to Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, the goddess fought the powerful demon to protect the world from his tyranny. Her victory is celebrated during Durga Puja, particularly in eastern India, where Vijayadashami marks the conclusion of the festivities and the immersion of Durga idols.
The two legends give the festival a shared message across regional traditions: evil and injustice can be overcome through courage, righteousness and perseverance.
Celebrations across India
Dussehra is observed in different ways across the country, reflecting India’s cultural and religious diversity.
In northern India, Ramlila performances and the burning of Ravana effigies draw large gatherings. In Mysuru, Karnataka, Dasara is renowned for its royal heritage, decorated processions and cultural programmes. In West Bengal, Vijayadashami concludes Durga Puja with rituals and idol immersion, while communities in other regions observe the day through prayers, temple visits and family gatherings.
The occasion is also considered auspicious for new beginnings. In several communities, people worship books, tools, vehicles and instruments associated with their work, seeking blessings for success and prosperity.
As families and communities come together to celebrate, Dussehra serves as a reminder that its enduring significance lies not merely in the victory depicted in ancient epics but also in the everyday choices people make to uphold truth, fairness and compassion.
Dussehra greetings
1. Victory of good over evil: May this Dussehra inspire us to conquer negativity, uphold truth and follow the path of righteousness. Wishing everyone happiness, peace and prosperity.
2. Blessings of Lord Rama: May Lord Rama bless you and your family with courage, wisdom, good health and success. May truth always guide your actions. Happy Dussehra!
3. A message of hope: May the sacred festival of Vijayadashami bring new beginnings, renewed hope and countless opportunities into your life. Wishing you a joyful Dussehra.
4. Peace and prosperity: May this Dussehra remove every obstacle from your path and fill your home with happiness, harmony and prosperity. Warm wishes to you and your family.
5. The triumph of righteousness: Just as Lord Rama defeated Ravana, may righteousness triumph over injustice in our lives and society. May truth and compassion always prevail. Happy Dussehra!
6. Blessings of Goddess Durga: May Goddess Durga bless you with strength to overcome challenges, courage to face adversity and wisdom to choose the right path. Shubho Bijoya and Happy Dussehra!
7. A festival of new beginnings: May Vijayadashami mark the beginning of a brighter chapter in your life, bringing success, confidence and fulfilment to every endeavour. Happy Dussehra!
8. Unity and harmony: May the spirit of Dussehra strengthen the bonds of love, respect and unity among families and communities. Let us celebrate our shared values and cultural diversity.
9. A message for the younger generation: May the timeless lessons of the Ramayana and the victory of Goddess Durga inspire the next generation to stand for truth, justice, courage and kindness. Happy Dussehra!
10. A universal message of goodness: May the light of goodness dispel the darkness of hatred, ignorance and fear. Let this Dussehra inspire a world filled with peace, compassion and hope.