Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2018

Dussehra celebrates victory. Ramlila traditions recall Rama’s final battle with Ravana, while Durga Puja traditions mark the goddess’s victory and farewell. This account follows the Ramayana episode.

Ravana had abducted Sita and taken her to Lanka. Rama and Lakshmana set out to find her and gained the help of Sugriva and Hanuman. Hanuman crossed the sea, found Sita in the Ashoka grove and gave her Rama’s message. Returning, he told Rama where she was. They built a bridge across the sea and reached Lanka with the vanara army.

Ravana’s brother Vibhishana had urged him to return Sita, but he would not listen. Vibhishana eventually joined Rama. War began, and warriors fell on both sides. Rama killed Ravana’s brother Kumbhakarna, and Lakshmana killed his son Indrajit. Still Ravana would not return Sita and end the war.

At last Ravana faced Rama himself. Indra had sent Rama a chariot driven by Matali. The two fought each other, releasing arrows as their chariots moved. Each answered the other’s attacks, but the battle did not end.

Rama cut off one of Ravana’s heads with an arrow. Another appeared in its place. He struck again, and the same thing happened. Ravana kept fighting despite repeated blows. Rama wondered why the arrows that had overcome other powerful enemies were not enough here.

Matali reminded him of Brahma’s weapon. Rama took the special arrow he had received from Agastya, prepared it with a mantra and set it on his bow. Focusing his mind, he released it at Ravana. It struck his chest and pierced his heart. Ravana fell from his chariot. The long battle was over.

The vanara army rejoiced, but Vibhishana grieved at the sight of his fallen brother. He remembered the advice he had given him. Had Ravana listened before the war, this ending might have been avoided. Rama comforted Vibhishana and told him to perform Ravana’s funeral rites.

Vibhishana was crowned king of Lanka. Rama sent Hanuman to tell Sita of the victory. Hanuman returned to the Ashoka grove. Where he had once brought a message of hope, he now brought news that the war was over. Sita felt relief.

Dussehra’s Ramlila performances recall this final victory. When Ravana’s effigy burns, people remember his defeat in the war at Lanka.

Dussehra or Vijayadashami celebrates victory over arrogance and injustice through distinct Ramayana and Devi traditions. Regional customs include Ram Lila, Durga immersion and Ayudha Puja.

Many places hold Ramlila performances and burn Ravana effigies. Some communities worship weapons, vehicles or tools. Durga Puja celebrations have their own farewell and immersion observances.

Northern Ramlila and Ravana Dahan, Bengal's Bijoya Dashami, Mysuru Dasara, Kullu Dussehra and Gujarat's Navratri conclusion have distinct schedules and practices. The local afternoon Dashami rule needs calendar verification.