Why Dussehra Is Celebrated: Victory of Good Over Evil
Manika | Sep 28, 2025, 19:00 IST
Why Dussehra Is Celebrated: Victory of Good Over Evil
( Image credit : Freepik )
Highlight of the story: Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of India’s most significant festivals, symbolizing the eternal triumph of good over evil. Celebrated on the tenth day of the Navratri festival, it carries layered meanings across different regions. In North India, it marks Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, while in other traditions, it commemorates Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura. Beyond mythology, Dussehra serves as a reminder that no matter how powerful negativity may appear, righteousness ultimately prevails. The festival inspires people to burn their inner Ravanas, shed ego, and walk on the path of truth, courage, and dharma in their own lives.
Every year, as the air begins to cool and the skies carry the fragrance of festivity, India celebrates Dussehra with grandeur and devotion. Known as Vijayadashami, it is one of the most awaited festivals, bringing together communities in joy, theater, rituals, and prayers. Towering effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are set aflame amidst cheers, reminding us of the timeless truth that good always overcomes evil. But beyond the spectacle lies a deeper meaning. Dussehra is not only about celebrating past victories of gods and goddesses; it is also about reminding ourselves of the battles we face within.
The most widely known story behind Dussehra comes from the Ramayana. After a long and intense battle in Lanka, Lord Rama, with the support of Hanuman and his vanara sena, defeated the demon king Ravana. Ravana, though learned and powerful, was consumed by arrogance and lust, leading to his downfall. The burning of Ravana’s effigies during Dussehra celebrations is a symbolic act of destroying ego, anger, greed, and desire that reside within us.
In Eastern India, particularly in West Bengal, Dussehra marks the culmination of Durga Puja. It celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, who had terrorized the heavens and earth. After nine nights of fierce battle, the goddess emerged victorious on the tenth day, symbolizing the power of divine feminine energy. Here, Vijayadashami is celebrated with the immersion of Durga idols, signifying her return to her celestial abode.
At its core, Dussehra represents the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness). Both the stories of Rama and Durga reinforce this truth, teaching us that however strong evil may appear, it can never last forever.
The festival is not merely about external celebrations but about internal reflection. The effigy of Ravana represents the ten vices of human nature, including pride, jealousy, anger, and ego. Burning Ravana each year is a reminder that these qualities must be destroyed within ourselves if we wish to live a balanced and peaceful life.
Dussehra also marks new beginnings. It is considered an auspicious day to start new ventures, buy property, or begin learning something new. This stems from the belief that starting on a day that celebrates victory ensures success and prosperity.
Northern India: Ramlila performances are enacted, retelling the story of Rama, and effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are burned with great spectacle.
Eastern India: Vijayadashami marks the conclusion of Durga Puja, with beautiful processions and immersion of idols in rivers or seas.
Southern India: In states like Karnataka, Dussehra in Mysuru is celebrated with grandeur, including decorated processions, elephants, and traditional music.
Western India: In Gujarat, the festival is celebrated with Navratri’s final Garba and Dandiya nights, carrying forward the spirit of devotion and festivity.
Dussehra is more than a festival. It is a spiritual lesson woven into culture and tradition. It teaches us:
Ego is the greatest enemy. Ravana was destroyed not by his lack of knowledge, but by his pride.
Truth may be tested, but it never fails. Lord Rama and Goddess Durga both proved that patience, courage, and righteousness always emerge victorious.
Goodness requires effort. Just as Rama fought for days and Durga battled for nine nights, we too must consistently fight our inner demons.
Victory is renewal. Each Dussehra invites us to start afresh, cleansed of negativity and full of hope.
Dussehra is not just the end of Navratri festivities but the beginning of self-realization. It reminds us that the true battle is not only in Lanka or against demons, but within our own hearts and minds. Every Ravana we burn is an invitation to let go of arrogance, greed, and hatred. Every Vijayadashami we celebrate is an affirmation that truth, love, and courage will always light the way forward. And that is why, centuries later, Dussehra remains more than a festival. It is a timeless celebration of the soul’s journey from darkness to light.
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The Mythological Roots of Dussehra
Lord Rama’s Victory Over Ravana
Lord Rama's Victory
( Image credit : Freepik )
The most widely known story behind Dussehra comes from the Ramayana. After a long and intense battle in Lanka, Lord Rama, with the support of Hanuman and his vanara sena, defeated the demon king Ravana. Ravana, though learned and powerful, was consumed by arrogance and lust, leading to his downfall. The burning of Ravana’s effigies during Dussehra celebrations is a symbolic act of destroying ego, anger, greed, and desire that reside within us.
Goddess Durga’s Triumph Over Mahishasura
Why Dussehra Is Celebrated
Victory of Dharma Over Adharma
A Call for Inner Transformation
A Time for Renewal
after 9 days of navratri
( Image credit : Freepik )
Dussehra also marks new beginnings. It is considered an auspicious day to start new ventures, buy property, or begin learning something new. This stems from the belief that starting on a day that celebrates victory ensures success and prosperity.
How Dussehra Is Celebrated Across India
Eastern India: Vijayadashami marks the conclusion of Durga Puja, with beautiful processions and immersion of idols in rivers or seas.
Southern India: In states like Karnataka, Dussehra in Mysuru is celebrated with grandeur, including decorated processions, elephants, and traditional music.
Western India: In Gujarat, the festival is celebrated with Navratri’s final Garba and Dandiya nights, carrying forward the spirit of devotion and festivity.
The Deeper Message of Dussehra
Ravana
( Image credit : IANS )
Dussehra is more than a festival. It is a spiritual lesson woven into culture and tradition. It teaches us:
Ego is the greatest enemy. Ravana was destroyed not by his lack of knowledge, but by his pride.
Truth may be tested, but it never fails. Lord Rama and Goddess Durga both proved that patience, courage, and righteousness always emerge victorious.
Goodness requires effort. Just as Rama fought for days and Durga battled for nine nights, we too must consistently fight our inner demons.
Victory is renewal. Each Dussehra invites us to start afresh, cleansed of negativity and full of hope.
Dussehra is not just the end of Navratri festivities but the beginning of self-realization. It reminds us that the true battle is not only in Lanka or against demons, but within our own hearts and minds. Every Ravana we burn is an invitation to let go of arrogance, greed, and hatred. Every Vijayadashami we celebrate is an affirmation that truth, love, and courage will always light the way forward. And that is why, centuries later, Dussehra remains more than a festival. It is a timeless celebration of the soul’s journey from darkness to light.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Spiritual, Travel, Life Hacks, Trending, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!