Karmandir 
Why it is celebrated
Dussehra falls on Ashwin Shukla Dashami, right after Navratri. It marks Shri Ram's victory over Ravan, and Maa Durga's victory over Mahishasur. The day reminds us that truth and goodness win in the end.
The story
Ravan had taken Sita Mata away to Lanka. With Lakshman ji, Hanuman ji, Sugriv and the vanar army, Shri Ram built a bridge across the sea and reached Lanka. Before the battle he sent Angad as his messenger, so that Ravan could return Sita ji with respect, but Ravan's pride would not bend.
The battle went on for many days. The stories say Shri Ram prayed to Shakti, the Divine Mother, and it is believed that on Ashwin Shukla Dashami he won the victory over Ravan. He was reunited with Sita Mata, and the kingdom of Lanka was handed to Vibhishan.
The Mahabharata also has a story linked to this day. During their year in hiding, the Pandavas had hidden their weapons in a shami tree. By tradition, on Vijayadashami Arjun worshipped the shami tree and took back his bow, the Gandiv.
That is why today people do shami puja and shastra puja and burn effigies of Ravan. The effigy reminds us that however big pride may be, it cannot stand before truth.
Puja vidhi
- Bathe in the morning and worship Shri Ram and Maa Durga; do the visarjan of the Navratri kalash and jaware.
- If it is your family's custom, worship Devi Aparajita in the afternoon.
- Worship a shami tree: offer water, roli and rice, light a lamp and walk around it.
- Worship the tools, books, vehicles and things you work with (shastra or ayudha puja).
- In the evening, watch the Ramlila or Ravan dahan with your family.
- Take your elders' blessings and share shami or apta leaves with each other as 'gold'.
Food
Jalebi in the north, fafda-jalebi in Gujarat, and sweets in every home.
Wishes to send
Warm wishes on Vijayadashami! By Shri Ram's grace, may truth and goodness always walk with you.
WhatsAppMay this festival of good over evil bring new light and new joy to your home. Happy Dussehra!
WhatsAppToday, let us also burn the pride, anger and laziness within us. Happy Dussehra to you!
WhatsAppJai Shri Ram! May this festival of dignity, courage and patience always show you the right path.
WhatsAppMay the blessings of Maa Durga and Prabhu Shri Ram stay with your family. Have a blessed Vijayadashami.
WhatsAppShami leaves, the love of family and the blessings of elders: this is the real gold of Dussehra. Happy Vijayadashami!
WhatsApp
