History of Dussehra

The history of Dussehra is an ancient one and derives its origin from a number of popular legends found in the scriptures. There are many legends associated with the celebration of Dusshera. The festival of Dussehra, marks the triumph of victory of good over the evil.Dussehra is a festival celebrated in varying forms across Nepal and India.

It is the largest festival of Nepal, and celebrated by Hindu and non-Hindu Nepalese alike. The history of Dussehra is an ancient one and has its roots in the maha kavya 'Ramayana'. It is widely believed that the festival actually symbolizes the killing of the great demon king of Lanka, Ravan, by Lord Rama. The epic mentions how Lord Rama, the god-incarnate, went to serve a period of exile for 14 years under the order of his father. Along with his devoted wife Sita and his faithful brother Lakshmana, Rama faced many hardships during this period prominent among which was the abduction of Sita by the ten-headed Ravana. On a similar day as Dussehra in Treta yug, Ram is said to have killed Ravan, who had abducted his wife Sita. Another legend says that Dusshera symbolizes victory of Mata Durga over mahishasur, the demon. Durga with weapons in her ten hands, riding on Lion, who assisted her in the fight, took on Mahishasur.

The battle raged for nine days and nights. Finally, on the tenth day of Ashwin shukla paksha, the evil demon Mahishasur was defeated & killed by Durga. Hence Dasha-Hara is also known as Navaratra or Durgotsava and is a celebration of victory of Goddess Durga. Durga as an inseparable part of Lord Shiva represents two forms of female energy - one mild & protective and the other fierce & destructive. All the legends indicate only one thing, that truth and goodness are more powerful than evil and a clear message Dusshera gives is-TRUTH ALWAYS WINS!