PATIALA, 19.10.26-Dussehra, also known as Vijaydashmi, illustrates the triumph of righteousness over malice, truth over falsehood, and virtue over vice. The word ‘Dussehra’ derives its etymological meaning from the Sanskrit words ‘Dasha’ (ten) and ‘Hara’ (defeat). So, the significant day connotes the annihilation of the ten-headed demon king, Ravana’ by the Lord Rama and celebrating Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.

The festival represents the glorious culmination of ‘Ramlila’ and the nine-day celebration of ‘Navratri’ which occupies an exalted position in India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Ravana’s ten heads do not denote his physical form but symbolise the ten human vices of lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride, jealousy, intellect full of malice, mind, will and ego. The giagantic effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnada mingling into flames reveal that worldly power cannot protect an erudite scholar from the consequences of moral degradation.

Dussehra, however, possesses a distinctive significance in different regions of India. ‘Vijaydashmi’ marks the culmination of ‘Durga Puja’, celebrating Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, which represents the piercing and invincible power of divine feminine energy and the upkeep of cosmic harmony.