Vijayadashami

Vijayadashami is one of the biggest Hindu festivals that takes place every year at the end of Navratri. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the Hindu calendar in autumn (September or October). Below we reveal interesting details that tourists really want to know!

History

The holiday is celebrated throughout India, but in each area it symbolizes different meanings. For example, in some it means the triumph of the goddess Durga over the demon. In other areas, the end of Ramlila and the victory of the god Rama over Ravana.

To loud traditional melodies and chants, people go to the water, carrying with them clay statues of Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi and other gods. Then they say goodbye to the statues and immerse them in water for their sailing to the sacred mountain Kailash. In some regions, they burn a paper image or an effigy of Ravana, which symbolizes evil. For 10 days, theatrical performances depicting historical scenes take place on the streets.

Interesting facts

Ravan has 10 heads, which symbolizes 10 negative human emotions. Of these – greed, pride, cruelty, jealousy, anger and others. By burning it, people believe that they are getting rid of the shortcomings that interfere in life.

How to celebrate

1. In the morning in a special prayer room or at the home altar, people worship Durga, asking her for family peace and wealth.
2. A Rangoli ornament is painted at the front door to attract the Goddess of Wealth. For its manufacture, rice flour, sand or special colored powders are used.
3. Holiday garlands and candles are lit everywhere. Also used are dii – clay oil lamps for rituals. It is believed that the oil inside the lamp is sins, but when people light it, they “burn out”.
4. They make an effigy of the demon king Ravana and burn it with fireworks. If this ritual is performed at home, then a fireplace or stove can be used.
5. Everyone is dressed in bright new clothes and decorate themselves with gold. This means that in the new year they will have a lot of new clothes.
6. The hostesses prepare a vegetarian festive dinner for the whole family, and sweets are distributed to friends and acquaintances.

When is Vijayadashami celebrated in 2022?