How to Overcome Inner Darkness This Dussehra

Every year, Dussehra is a great reminder that the power of good over evil is the most important thing in the world from the time Lord Rama defeated Ravana and set an example for all ages to follow. However, if we focus more on the meaning beyond the rituals of the festival, Dussehra is a day that teaches a very significant lesson to its followers - to face the Ravana of our own. None of us is perfect and we all have our own inner demons: anger, envy, doubt, fear, or even regret. These feelings and habits are the "inner darkness" that accompanies us, and on top of that, it prevents us from enjoying our lives to the fullest. It is not a big fight outside that will get rid of these negative forces but a small war inside us. This Dussehra we can also consider the burning of the effigies as a symbolic act of burning our own weaknesses that keep us in control. Here are five effective ways to do it.


Recognizing the darkness within you is the very first step towards defeating it. Ravana had ten heads, similarly, our inner demons are not only one but several different characters like wrath, pride, gluttony, laziness, doubt, envy, or fear. Most of the time, we hide these feelings inside, acting as if they really aren't there, but denial only fuels their growth. Reflect deeply. Asking yourself these questions could be very enlightening: What situation triggers me the most? Do I keep grudges? Do I get jealous quickly? Jotting down these thoughts in a journal might give you the tools to face your inner Ravana. When you figure out your weaknesses, they stop being so scary and you find it easier to fight them.


Victory of Lord Rama was not only about force; it was also a result of discipline, patience, and endurance. Self-discipline is the main key to an exit of the inner darkness. No matter if it is controlling anger, fighting procrastination, or keeping to healthy habits, discipline is like our guiding weapon. Small works can be your start: making a routine, restricting social media time, or getting up early. Gradually, discipline develops mental clarity and the intensity of negative emotions lessens. We become in alignment with our values when the darkness inside us gets to disappear.


One cannot eliminate darkness by opposing it face to face; it is necessary to substitute it with light. For example, if envy surfaces, employ thankfulness. When wrath ignites, do a deep breathing exercise, or use your anger to work out or create. Rather than concentrating on your shortages, concentrate on what you can produce or better. It was not only Ravana’s power that led to his defeat but also his failure to turn pride into insight. We can take a leaf from Ravana’s book by purposefully rerouting negative feelings into positive channels. Eventually, this changes the brain to select more beneficial responses.


Hanuman, Lakshmana, and innumerable friends were with Lord Rama, so he did not battle Ravana alone. Likewise, it is true that we do not need to fight our inside wars all by ourselves. Confiding in a closest circle of friends, mentors, or therapists might give new angles to see a problem and be a source of our emotional strength. At times, the people in our circle have better vision than we do when it comes to the habits we are blind to. Venting not only makes us better but it also makes us remember that we are not on this road alone. Dussehra is a day to remember that together we can defeat even the strongest evil.


Change of a true nature is the time when Dussehra does not remain an event of just one day but becomes your lifestyle. Rather than waiting for a yearly festival to destroy effigies, practice tiny rituals of positivity on a daily basis. It can be anything like morning affirmations, conscious meditation, or doing kind things for people. Every little defeat of anger, fear, or jealousy is your own Dussehra. Keeping these little victories alive helps you to stay motivated and slowly, they overwhelm the darkness within. Because, at the end of the day, good does not win evil in one big fight- it does so through daily decisions.

Dussehra is nothing less than explosions, parades, festivities but at the same time, it reflects that which asks us: What darkness are you ready to conquer this year? We all have an inner Ravana with multiple heads but as we have seen in the story of Lord Rama, we are also equipped with the power, the discipline, and the light to win over it. By admitting our faults, exercising discipline, substituting negativity with light, asking for help, and celebrating daily wins, we can make sure the festival of Dussehra stays with us every day. This year when you see the burning of the effigy of Ravana, picture your inner demons burning to ashes as well. The reason is the biggest triumph is not outside- it is inside.

1. What does Dussehra symbolize in personal life?It symbolizes the victory of light and positivity over inner darkness.
2. Can I overcome inner struggles alone?Support from friends, mentors, or therapists makes the journey easier.
3. Why is self-discipline important in overcoming darkness?Because discipline strengthens the mind and keeps destructive habits in check.