- The origin of the name of Dussehra roots back in Sanskrit Dash Hara wherein, the literal English translation is “the defeat of the Sun.” Hadn’t the Ravana been defeated, the sun would not have risen again.
- In some subcultures of Hinduism, the Dusshera is also known as Vijay Dashmi, which also means the victory on the 10th Day. The day is commemorated as the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil, Mahishasura.
- Dussehra also holds significance for Buddhism in India as on this day, Emperor Ashka had converted to Buddhism.
- Dussehra also marks the harvesting of Kharif crops and thereafter, Ravi crops are sown. Thus, it is also an important festival for the farmers.
- As per the Hindu mythology, Ravana’s 10 heads signifies his vast knowledge of 4 vedas and 6 shastras, and which is why Ravana was considered to be the most wise and learned man of his time. Moreover, his 10 heads also represented 10 human emotions such as ego, jealousy, anger, lust, greed, pride, injustice, attachment, selfishness and cruelty.
- Apart from the famous celebration of Dussehra in Mysore, the celebration of this festival in Kullu Himachal Pradesh has also caught the limelight. This festival is celebrated for about a week and people from various parts of the nation visit Kullu to be a part of this festival.
- Dushera has its share of popularity throughout India, but it is the celebration of the festival particularly in Mysore that has gained the most popularity. The entire city is decorated with lights and colors. Since, they worship Goddess Chamuneshwari, a life size idol is taken out across the city.
- It was for Goddess Durga’s return to her home, i,e Earth, many cultures practice their married or unmarried women to their homes.
- It is also believed that Goddess Durga and her children Kartik, Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Saraswati arrived at her birth place and had a stay for some time. It was on Dussehra, the Goddess returned to her husband Lord Shiva.
- Barley seeds are sown on the first day of Navratri in the Northern part of India. It is on the day of Dussehra, these sprouts are used and considered as the good omen that brings good fortune and prosperity.
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