DASARA Meaning and
Definition
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Dasara, also known as Dussehra or Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in various parts of India. The term "Dasara" is derived from the Sanskrit words "dasha" meaning 'ten' and "hara" meaning 'annihilator.' It is observed on the tenth day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin (September/October) and marks the culmination of the nine-day long Navaratri festival.
Dasara holds great significance and is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil. The festival symbolizes the triumph of the Hindu Goddess Durga, also known as Shakti or Devi, over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. As per Hindu mythology, the battle between the goddess and the demon lasted for ten days, culminating in the defeat of Mahishasura on the tenth day, thus establishing righteousness.
During Dasara, elaborate processions, known as "Ramlila," are taken out throughout India, symbolizing the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana in the Hindu epic Ramayana. It includes enacting the episodes from the Ramayana, culminating in the burning of effigies of Ravana, his son, and brother.
The festival also holds cultural and social significance, with various regional variations in celebrations. In some parts of India, Dasara is associated with the worship of agricultural tools, depicting gratitude towards the Earth for providing a bountiful harvest. Additionally, it is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and exchanging gifts.
Overall, Dasara is a vibrant and joyous festival that signifies the triumph of good over evil and fosters a sense of unity, devotion, and cultural diversity among people.
Etymology of DASARA
The word "Dasara" has its roots in the Sanskrit language, which is an ancient Indo-Aryan language of India. "Dasara" is derived from two words: "Dasa" meaning "ten" and "hara" meaning "defeat" or "annihilate". Thus, "Dasara" can be roughly translated to mean "the defeat of ten".
This name is associated with the Hindu festival known as "Dussehra" or "Dasara", which is celebrated in various parts of India and Nepal. The festival commemorates the victory of Lord Rama, a central figure in the Hindu epic Ramayana, over the demon king Ravana. According to the legend, Lord Rama, along with the help of Hanuman and his monkey army, defeated Ravana after a fierce battle that lasted for ten days.
