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Dussehra-Dasara Festival and Navaratri Celebrations

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Dussehra-Navaratri
Dussehra-Navaratri

Dussehra-Dasara Festival and Navaratri Celebrations

The festival of Dussehra, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is a significant Hindu celebration observed in most parts of India. The festival is rooted in two important stories related to Lord Ram and Goddess Durga. It signifies the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated on the 10th day of the bright half of the month of Ashvin, as per the Hindu calendar.

The term “Dasara” is derived from Sanskrit and signifies “removing the ten.” This festival holds great importance in the Southern hemisphere motion of the Sun. The name “Vijaya” signifies triumph, while “Dashami” indicates the 10th day, thus “Vijaya Dashami” symbolizes success – victory on the 10th day.

Dussehra – Dasara Festival History and Its Significance:

Triumph Of Lord Rama Over Ravana

The celebration of Dussehra finds its origins in the Hindu epic of Ramayana, where Lord Rama defeated the ten-headed demon Ravana to rescue his wife Sita. Another legend is associated with Goddess Durga, who defeated the demon Mahishasura to restore peace and freedom to the world. These victories are celebrated as Vijayadashmi or Dusshera in Hinduism.

Assassination Of Mahishasura By Goddess Durga

Another legend is also connected to the story of Goddess Durga. It is said that the demon Mahishasura’s tyranny troubled all the Gods in swarglok and the inhabitants of the earth, as he had gained unstoppable power to rule the world. Even the powerful deities – Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva – were unable to defeat him. As a result, the Gods decided to create a force that could vanquish Mahishasura, free the living beings from his oppression, and return swaglok to them. This led to the emergence of Goddess Durga, an incarnation of Ma Shakti. Endowed with divine weapons, she confronted Mahishasura in battle. She emerged victorious, vanquishing the demon and fulfilling the promise to restore swaglok to the Gods. Many Hindus commemorate her triumph as Vijayadashmi or Dusshera.

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Rain Of Gold Coins

The celebration is also linked to a tale about Kausta, Devdatt’s youngest son. He completed his education under the guidance of Rishi Varatantu and then offered his mentor a Gurudakshina. Initially, Rishi Varatanu declined the offer, but later asked for one hundred million gold coins for each subject taught, since Kausta had learned multiple subjects, the total amounted to 140 hundred million gold coins.

King Raghu was approached by the student for the coins, as he was famous for being generous. After three days of the student’s request, with the help of Kuber, the God of wealth, a shower of gold coins was produced near the shanu and apati trees.

After providing what his guru had requested, Kautsa distributed remaining coins to the poor and needy on the day of Dassehra. Since then, people loot (pluck) the leaves of apati trees and present to each other as a symbol of gold, on Dussehra.

Shami Tree

Another tale related to the origin of Dusshera is found in the great Hindu epic – Mahabharata. According to the story, the Pandavas were banished by the Kauravas for 12 years and 1 year of disguise after being defeated in gambling (chausar). Consequently, the Pandavas decided to spend the initial 12 years of their exile in the woods and the final year in disguise.

To remain incognito during that period, the Pandavas did not want to be discovered. Hence, they kept their divine and powerful weapons hidden during the exile. They concealed their weapons under the shami tree, located near their dwelling. The Pandavas would go to the shami tree at the conclusion of every year of exile to inspect their weapons.

Whenever they neared the tree, they paid homage to it and to Goddess Durga, who is the main deity. Meanwhile, the Kauravas were trying to find the Pandavas to extend the exile, as it was believed that if they were discovered, they would have to spend another 12 years in the woods. The Pandavas were only found by the Kauravas after the specified time had elapsed.

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Subsequently, the Pandavas went to the shami tree, retrieved their concealed weapons, and went straight to the battlefield to confront the Kauravas. The Pandavas emerged victorious. This event occurred on dasami, and since good had triumphed over evil, it became known as Vijayadashmi. Since then, people embrace each other under the shami tree and exchange its leaves.

How is Vijaya Dashami – Dasara Festival celebrated:

On Dussehra, it is believed to be an auspicious day to start new ventures as it is said to bring success. Therefore, people start various undertakings such as laying the foundation of a new building, opening a new commercial establishment, or initiating a child into learning on this day.

During this period, homes and stores are decorated with flower-filled strings known as ‘Torans’ (Floral Gateways). Moreover, vehicles, machinery, books, weapons, and tools are revered on this occasion

It is considered auspicious to worship the tools used for earning an income during Dussehra. According to the legend in the epic Mahabharata, Arjuna concealed his weapons in a tree and retrieved them safely a year later on the day of Dussehra. He then worshipped the weapons, along with the tree.

What Rituals are Performed During Dussehra – Vijaya Dashami:

Nine – 9 days Navaratri Celebrations :

The Navaratri Puja commences on the day of Bhadrapada Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya, which is the day before the beginning of Navratri. Navaratri is a festival that spans nine days and nine nights. The term “Navaratri” translates to nine (Nava) nights (ratri).

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In South India, the days of Navratri are dedicated to worshipping three Goddesses – Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge and learning, and Durga, the Goddess of power and strength. In the evenings, they decorate their houses and steps with lamps and flowers.

Nine – 9 days Day Wise Navaratri Puja and Food Offerings :

Day 1 – On Navaratri first day Goddess Shailputri is worshipped in the form of Bala Tripura Sundari Devi

The initial day of Navratri honors Maa Shailputri, who is the manifestation of Goddess Parvati when she was born as Lord Himalaya’s daughter. Shailputri is named after the mountain because Shail means mountain, and she is considered the daughter of the mountain. She is portrayed riding a bull (Nandi) and carrying a trident and a lotus.

Food offering on 1st day of Navratri is Katte Pongali, Kadambam (Sambaru rice), Minapa Vadalu, Rava Kesari and Panakam

Day 2 – On Navaratri second day Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped in the form of sri Gayatri Devi

On the second day of Navratri, worshippers honor Goddess Brahmacharini. She engaged in strict penance to win Lord Shiva as her husband in this form. Maa Brahmacharini represents wisdom, knowledge, and austerity. She is depicted with a rudraksha mala and a kamandalu (water pot).

Food offering on 2nd day of Navratri is Pulihora (Tamarind rice or Lemon rice)

Day 3 – On Navaratri third day Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped in the form of Annapurna Devi

Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped by people on the third day of Navratri. She is also called Chandrakhanda, Chandika, or Rannchandi and has ten arms, holding various weapons. The half-moon shape that she possesses, which resembles a bell, goes by the name Chandraghanta. At all times, her third eye remains open. Chandraghanta represents bravery and courage. She is portrayed with a crescent moon on her forehead and rides a tiger.

Food offering on 3rd day of Navratri is Coconut rice and payasam

Day 4 – On Navaratri fourth day Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped in the form of Lalitha Tripura Sundari Devi

On the fourth day of Navratri, followers worship Maa Kushmanda, who is believed to have brought the universe into existence with her smile. Maa Kushmanda is often depicted riding a lion and possessing eight hands, which hold a kamandalu, bow, arrow, lotus, trident, a jar of nectar, and a discus. The name ‘Kushmanda’ originates from the Sanskrit words Ku, meaning little, Ushma, meaning energy or light, and Anda, meaning egg. She is closely linked to the energy of the sun.

Food offering on 4th day of Navratri is Minapa garelu (Minapa Vada) and corn fritters

Day 5 – On Navaratri fifth day Goddess Skandamata is worshipped in the form of Maha Chandi Devi

Maa Skandmata is venerated on the fifth day of Navratri. Kartikeya, also called Skand, is the offspring of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and he is the source of the name of this form of the Goddess. This form symbolizes maternal affection. She is depicted holding her son, Lord Kartikeya, and riding a lion.

Food offering on 5th day of Navratri is Daddyojanam

Day 6 – On Navaratri sixth day Goddess Katyayani is worshipped in the form of Mahalakshmi Devi

The worship on the sixth day of Navratri is focused on Maa Katyayani. According to Hindu Scriptures, Maa Katyayani was created when Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva combined their energies and she killed the demon Mahishasura. Maa Katyayani is also known as Mahishasurmardini. She is considered as the warrior form of Maa Durga and was named Katyayani after sage Katyayana performed penance to please Maa Durga and asked her to be born as his daughter.

Food offering on 6th day of Navratri is Kesari

Day 7 – On Navaratri seventh day Goddess Kaalratri is worshipped in the form of Saraswathi Devi

Maa Kaalratri is revered on the seventh day of Navratri. She represents the most fierce aspect of goddess Durga, rides a donkey, and possesses a dark complexion with long flowing hair. According to legend, Goddess Kalaratri emerged when Goddess Parvati shed her golden outer skin to vanquish the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha.

Food offering on 7th day of Navratri is Paramannam and ginger

Day 8 – On Navaratri eighth day Goddess Maha Gauri is worshipped in the form of Sri Durga Devi

The goddess Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri. She possesses exceptional brightness and glows like the moon. She symbolizes purity and serenity. It is believed that she has the power to fulfill all the wishes of her worshippers.

Food offering on 8th day of Navratri is Sakannam or Kalagura soup

Day 9 – On Navaratri ninth day Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped in the form of Sri Mahishasura Mardini

On the ninth day of Navratri, worshippers offer prayers to Maa Siddhidatri, who is the ninth manifestation of Maa Durga. The term “Siddhi” refers to extraordinary power or the ability to meditate, while “Datri” signifies the bestower of all siddhis. Mata Siddhidatri bestows her devotees with knowledge.

Food offering on 9th day of Navratri is Chakrapongali

Day 10 – On dasami (tenth day) Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Sri Rajarajeshwari Devi

Food offering on 10th day of Navratri is Semya Payasam, Coconut Payasam, kobbari annam (Coconut Rice) and Paramannam (Bellam Annam)