Vijayadashami 2023 Mantra: across the country Vijay Dashami is being celebrated to symbolize the victory of good over evil. Celebrated after the nine-day long festival of Navratri, Vijaya Dashami festival is the 10th and final day of Durga Puja. This day is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama over the Lankan king Ravana as well as the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. This day is also known as Dussehra, whereas in Nepal this day is celebrated as Dashain.
Although Dussehra is not a part of Navratri or Durga Puja, it is associated with them as the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in holy water on this day. On the other hand, effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna are burnt as a part of Dussehra celebrations.
One of the most important rituals of Dashami is the tradition of Sindoor Khela. It is especially played by women in West Bengal, where married Hindu women apply vermilion to each other as a bid farewell to the goddess.
Dussehra is celebrated as Vijayadashami, this day is considered to be the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and celebrates the victory of good over evil. Ravana had taken Sri Ram’s wife Goddess Sita hostage. It is believed that before leaving for the war, Lord Rama had worshiped Goddess Durga and received her blessings for his victory. The war against Ravana lasted for ten days. On the tenth day Lord Rama killed Ravana and the day he killed Ravana was marked as Dussehra.
On the day of Vijayadashami, women touch the cheeks of Maa Durga with betel leaves and apply vermilion on their forehead and pray for the long life of their husbands. Women are seen performing the traditional Dhunuchi dance to please Maa Durga.