Dasara, also known as Dussehra, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India with great enthusiasm and fervor. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu month Ashvin, which falls in the months of September or October in the Gregorian calendar. In 2024, Dasara will be celebrated on <b>Wednesday, October 9th, 2024</b>.
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Table of Contents
Dasara, also known as Dussehra, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India with great enthusiasm and fervor. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu month Ashvin, which falls in the months of September or October in the Gregorian calendar. In 2024, Dasara will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024.
What is the significance of Dasara?
Dasara celebrates the victory of good over evil. It marks the day when Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, defeated the demon king Ravana and rescued his wife Sita from his captivity. It also celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, who had threatened the existence of the gods and goddesses.
How is Dasara celebrated in India?
Dasara is celebrated with great pomp and show across India. The celebrations include grand processions, cultural programs, and the burning of effigies of Ravana and his brothers. In some parts of India, people also worship weapons and tools on this day as a symbol of their profession.
When do the preparations for Dasara begin?
The preparations for Dasara begin months in advance. In some parts of India, people start making the effigies of Ravana and his brothers as early as six months before the festival. The markets are filled with colorful clothes, sweets, and toys, and people start shopping for the festival well in advance.
What are the different traditions associated with Dasara?
Dasara is celebrated differently in different parts of India. In some parts, people decorate their homes with flowers and rangolis, while in others, they perform puja and offer prayers to Goddess Durga. In Mysore, Karnataka, Dasara is celebrated with a grand procession and the lighting of the Mysore Palace.
What are some popular dishes prepared during Dasara?
Dasara is a time for feasting and enjoying delicious delicacies. Some popular dishes prepared during Dasara include puri, sabzi, laddu, kheer, and halwa. In some parts of India, people also prepare special dishes using coconut, jaggery, and sesame seeds.
How has the celebration of Dasara changed over the years?
The celebration of Dasara has evolved over the years. While the essence of the festival remains the same, the way it is celebrated has undergone a significant change. Today, people use social media to wish their loved ones, and the grand processions have become more elaborate and tech-savvy.
What is the significance of Dasara in modern times?
Dasara is not just a religious festival; it is also a time for people to come together and celebrate the spirit of unity and brotherhood. It is a time for people to forget their differences and celebrate the victory of good over evil. In modern times, it is also a time for people to take a break from their busy lives and spend time with their loved ones.
How can one celebrate Dasara in a more eco-friendly way?
With the increasing concern for the environment, it is important to celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly way. One can use natural materials for decorations, avoid the use of plastic, and opt for eco-friendly idols of Goddess Durga. One can also avoid bursting firecrackers and instead celebrate the festival with lights and diyas.
In conclusion
Dasara is a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It is a time for people to come together and celebrate the spirit of unity and brotherhood. As we celebrate Dasara in 2024, let us remember the significance of the festival and celebrate it in a way that is eco-friendly and sustainable.
