Whenever the month of October arrives, a unique fragrance fills the air. The rustling of leaves echoes with Rama's arrow, and the nights are illuminated by the flames of Ravana's effigy. Those childhood evenings, when mothers would stand at the door holding lamps, and we children, filled with excitement, would set out dressed in colorful clothes. Vijaya Dashami, or Dussehra—the very name touches the heart. This festival is not just a celebration, but a mirror of the truth of life: where good always triumphs over evil. Today, when the world seems so entangled, it reminds me again that hope never dies.
The epic tale of the Ramayana, told in every home—Lord Rama's exile, the abduction of Sita, and the subsequent victory over Lanka. The day of Dussehra marks the culmination of that battle, when Rama's arrow pierces Ravana's chest. But this isn't just a story, it symbolizes the battle within all of us. Ravana is the face of evil—of greed, anger, and ego. And Rama? He's the embodiment of patience, truth, and love. I remember, during the Ravana Dahan in the village, when that huge effigy burned, the flames would touch the sky, and tears would glisten in everyone's eyes. Those tears were of joy, but also of sadness—because evil returns in every era, but victory is ours, all we need is courage.
This year, when I opened my old diary, I found a page where it was written: "Dussehra doesn't just mean bursting firecrackers, but burning the Ravana within us." How true it feels today. In a post-COVID world, where fear and uncertainty had enveloped everyone, Dussehra rekindled hope. Virtual Ramlila in every home, and then the hustle and bustle returned to the open fields. This festival teaches us that the harder the struggle, the sweeter the victory.
Preparations for Dussehra begin with Navratri itself. Nine days of worship of Goddess Durga, the dance of Garba, and then the excitement of the tenth day. In North India, there's the Ramlila drama, where children dress up as Lord Rama, and in the South, there's the procession of Ayyappa devotees. In Bengal, there's the emotional moment of Durga's farewell – Sindoor Khela – where tears flow as we bid farewell to our mother. And in Punjab, the excitement of burning Ravana's effigy resonates far and wide.
I love the small rituals most. Like going to the market in the afternoon to buy new books – because Dussehra is also the festival of Saraswati, the goddess of learning. Or sharing sweets with the family in the evening. The moment when Grandfather narrates the Ramayana, and the house echoes with our laughter and jokes. Today, when children are engrossed in their mobile phones, Dussehra calls us – come out, live, and celebrate the victory of good.
Dussehra is not just a part of history, but a message for the future. In today's world, where social media is flooded with lies, and greed has eroded relationships, we must become Ram. Be patient, stand firm on the truth. I believe, if everyone looked within themselves – those small angers, jealousies – and resolved to burn them, how beautiful the world would become.
On this Vijayadashami, I pray that every home be filled with happiness and peace, and that every form of evil be destroyed. Jai Shri Ram! Jai Maa Durga! Let us not just celebrate this festival, but live it. Because victory is ours – just have faith.