October 21, 2007

BYBS : DUSSEHRA

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I did not have to look far for the blessing of this week. Though a lot happened this week, both good and bad, yet I can think of only one thing to post about as my blessing today.

Today, on October 21, we, in India, celebrate Dussehra. A festival that marks the victory of good over evil, truth over false hood, and light over darkness.

Why?

Like most Indian festivals, there are a few stories associated with the festival of Dussehra. The most well known of them is from the Epic Ramayana. Ramayana is the story of Lord Rama. To keep his father's promise, he renounced his right to the throne, and went on a fourteen year exile. His wife, Sita, though not obligated to accompany him, chose to go with him. While they were living in the forests, Ravana the demon-king was charmed by Sita's beauty, and kidnapped her to make her his queen.

To be fair, Ravana was a great scholar, but his knowledge and power had made him proud, and his pride was his undoing. He believed himself to be invincible and stronger, even, than the Gods. Lord Rama followed him to his kingdom in search of his wife, and defeated him in battle. The day Ravana was killed in battle is celebrated as Dussehra today.

How?

Dussehra is the culmination of nine days on which people fast and pray as per their beliefs and convictions. Plays called Ramlila's are staged at various places. These plays continue for nine days and are based on the Epic Ramayana. In these plays the story of Lord Rama from his birth to the day he killed Ravana is told.

On the tenth day i.e on Dussehra, a large effigy of Ravana is built and burnt, to mark the fall of evil and rise of good. In modern days, fireworks have also become a part of the celebrations.

Significance

As I said before, the festival serves as a reminder to all that however strong evil might be, good triumphs in the end. However dark the night may be, the first light of dawn will destroy it. However strong the web of lies might be, the sword of truth will eventually tear it to shreds.

Wishing a Happy Dussehra to one and all!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Dussehra and Happy BYB Sunday.

mrsnesbitt said...

Happy BYB Sunday too.
We learn something new every day!

D

SandyCarlson said...

This festival is very interesting. Makes me think a bit of the Celtic Halloween. I'm wondering why the 9 or 10 days. Is there some significance to the number?

This is a particularly powerful post on top of the previous one about the violence on the day Bhutto arrived in Karachi.

Happy BYB Sunday.

Blue Panther said...

Msdemmie: Happy Dussehra and Happy BYB Sunday to you too.

Mrsnesbitt: Happy BYB Sunday to you too. Every day is indeed a new learning experience.

Sandy: I really don't know much about Celtic Halloween, but I know that there is some significance behind the 9 days...I am just not aware of it at this moment.

Susan Demeter said...

This does sound like a wonderful festival!!! Happy BYB Sunday.. :)

Happy Dussehra!!!

DoubleDeckerBusGuy said...

Happy Dussehra, Neo!

Paulie said...

Blessings on your celebration. I found it to be interesting. Indeed a blessing to you! Thanks for visiting my post.

kuanyin333 said...

Happy Dussehra and BYB Sunday...and yes, I know Good always triumphs in the end!

Blue Panther said...

Sue:It is a wonderful festival indeed! Happy Dussehra and Happy BYB Sunday to you too!

Doubledeckerbusguy:Thank you and same to you, Matthew!

Paulie: Thank you for the wishes!

Kuanyin: Thank you, and same to you!

Anonymous said...

I love your stories of your country. Although I will probably never travel there, I feel as if I have an understanding and appreciation that I did not have before. Best to you this week and forever.

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