Dussehra on Long Island: Clergy discuss the Hindu holiday and its traditions

On Oct. 12, Hindus around the world will celebrate Dussehra, a major festival observed annually. This week’s commenters discuss the origin of Dussehra and its rituals, such as the burning in effigy of an evil monarch.

Narinder Kapoor

Member, Board of directors, Multi-Faith Forum of Long Island

Vijayadashami, more commonly known as Dussehra, is a major Hindu festival celebrated every year at the end of Durga Puja and Navaratri. It is observed on the 10th day of the month of Ashvin, the seventh in the Hindu lunisolar calendar. The festival typically falls in the Gregorian calendar months. Dussehra is celebrated as the victory of Rama, a Vishnu avatar, over the 10-headed demon king Ravana, who kidnapped Rama's wife, Sita. Life is a celebration. In the Indian context, this is deeply realized in the form of numerous festivals celebrated throughout the country’s length and breadth. Moreover, India has come to be known as the Land of Festivals and celebrations. India has a rich tradition of festivals, which provide an opportunity to celebrate the varied colors of life. Dussehra is celebrated by burning fireworks-filled effigies of demon Ravana, symbolizing light’s victory over darkness. It’s the grand finale event after nine days of open-air theatrical reenactments — popularly known as Ramlila — which depict Lord Rama’s battle with demon king Ravana. Hindu Americans dress up in traditional Indian attire, like saris and kurtas, and host Dussehra festivals. These events bring the community together for lively music and dance. Dussehra is “The Day of Victory,” celebrating good’s victory over evil. Dussehra is also about the feminine goddess or the feminine divinity, the cosmic energy that protects and sustains life on Earth. Vijayadashami brings success and victory into our life. It is a cultural festival of great importance and significance for all Hindus.

Mahesh Shastri Ji

Priest, Hindu Temple of Long Island, Bethpage

Dussehra falls on the 10th day after every year's second Navaratri, an auspicious date, usually in early autumn, when Hindus worship Mother Nature, the divine mother who created the world. On the 10th day, a ritual is held in which we burn a statue of Ravana, the highly learned devotee to Lord Shiva and the most powerful king of Sri Lanka thousands of years ago. On Long Island the 10-headed statue of Ravana is burned in a ceremony on Jones Beach. The 10 heads represent evil karma including greed, cruelty, lust and other sins. In Ravana’s case, the evil also included kidnapping Sita, the wife of a Vishnu avatar, Rama. In the terrifying war that followed, the forces of truth won out over falsehood and good triumphed over evil. Finally, Ravana was killed in the battle that ended the war. On Dussehra day we celebrate this victory over the evil in the world.

Ashok Vyas

Hindu Priest, Youtube.com/HerambaStudio

All Hindu festivals work on internal transformation. The Dussehra celebration is an attempt to continue the legacy of victory of good over evil and raise collective consciousness towards the light of truth. The wisdom of ancient sages and scriptures dealing with eternal themes makes Dussehra relevant for all ages. It traces its root to the celebration that followed the killing of king Ravana by Lord Ram. Ravana was insensitive, puffed up with ego, and inflicted suffering on the people for his enjoyment. Ravana is depicted with 10 heads, which are said to represent 10 human weaknesses: pride, ego, desire, greed, wrath, envy, maya, hatred, violence and attachment. On Dussehra, Ravana’s effigy is burnt along with that of his brother Kumbhkaran and son Meghnad. Dussehra has acquired the form of a festival that brings people together in a fun way and includes RamLila, the dance-drama refreshing the story for new generation. It is a profoundly inspiring festival with a message to do good, have conviction in the victory of goodness and at the same time, commit to be the best version of yourself.