Story Behind the Dassera

Story Behind the Dassera

The Dassera is a mark of victory of the great Hindu God Rama (Ramachandra, son of Dasharatha (The King)), for his victory over Ravana in the Ramayana. When Rama had returned to Ayodhya after a very long period, there was a celebration for the victory over Ravana. Also on this day, the Pandavas returned to their home. They had hidden their weapons in sami trees (Khijada tree). 

This tree then got famous as the golden tree and on this festival people exchange leaves of this tree as a celebration of happiness and victory over evil. People do pooja of books, gadgets, vehicles and weapons on this day. It is one of days where every moment (muhurtha) is considered auspicious in the Hindu calendar. People usually buy new things and celebrate Dasara with great joy and happiness.

Dassera is considered as one of the Sade-Teen shubh-muhurats. According to Epic 'Ramayana', Dasera is the day on which the Lord Ram killed the evil king of Lanka 'Ravan'. This day is celebrated as good had triumph over evil, a huge statue of Ravan is burnt which is made up of crackers, where people gathers and enjoys the burning statue of Ravan. Especially children enjoy seeing this because of the beautiful fireworks on the ground. The festival which is thought as 'The entry of God' & is celebrated in wonderful style decorating the entrances of houses & shops with flower studded strings called 'Torans' & workshipping vehicles, machineries, books, weapons & also tools.

This festival attracts lots of devotee. In many places, people celebrate by relishing the taste of Jalebi (one type of Sweets) and Fafda (Farshan) Kshatriyas play with horse and worship their weapons and khijada tree. Even Shree Hari used to do this kind of exploits.