Dussehra, Vijayadashami 2024 - Celebrating The Victory Of The Light
Goddess Durga
This year, Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, falls on October 12, Saturday, bringing a unique chance for each of us to have the start of a new era.
In ancient Vedic tradition, Dussehra holds colossal spiritual, ritualistic, astrological significance. It is the tenth day after Navratri and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, the forces of the Light, represented with Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura, which marked a new dawn.
Celebrated in various forms, this day is deeply connected with the energies of victory, success, and new beginnings. In many regions, Vijayadashami also commemorates the day Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, defeated the 10-headed demon king Ravana. To honor this victory, towering effigies of Ravana are set aflame, symbolizing the destruction of evil forces.
Vijayadashami reminds us of the ultimate and eternal truth, light of our soul and the creator; that righteousness, virtue, and wisdom will always triumph over darkness, ignorance, and malevolence.
This spiritual and energetic magnitude makes Vijayadashami a very auspicious day for new beginnings, endeavors and projects. The festival underscores the victory of the highest self, magnanimity, and wisdom over the pettiness of ego and ignorance. This symbolism encourages individuals to initiate new ventures and start a significant path of evolution and transformation on this day, getting aligned with the cosmic forces that will certainly support us and provide everything required for the ultimate success. It is considered especially favorable to begin learning or start a form of education on this day, or learning any new craft or skill.
Many Indian traditions mark this day by initiating children into formal education or beginning the study under the blessings of Goddess Saraswati, the divine source of knowledge and wisdom, one of the highest female deities in Vedic tradition.
Additionally, Vijayadashami is often chosen for significant milestones such as starting a new business, moving into a new home, purchasing a vehicle, or making major financial investments. It is believed that any new venture or pursuit started on this day is bound to flourish and succeed.
Vijayadashami Rituals in Vedic Tradition:
- Begin the day by offering prayers to Lord Ganesha, chanting or listening to the Ganesha Atharvasirsha.
- Honor Goddess Saraswati by reciting the mantra "Om Saraswatye Namah" 108 times, invoking her blessings for knowledge and wisdom.
- Write a sacred mantra in a notebook using an ink pen, preferably avoiding black ink, as a symbol of new beginnings.
- Listen to the soothing tunes of the Veena, an instrument associated with Goddess Saraswati.
- Take some time to start an important project, or begin learning something new that you’ve long desired to explore.
- As an act of goodwill, donate notebooks or study materials to students, symbolizing the spread of knowledge and the light of learning.
The cosmic energies of Vijayadashami ensure that efforts started on this day are blessed with prosperity, growth, and positive outcomes, making it a day of celebration, renewal, and divine blessings. Delve deep into your heart and the core of your being, give thanks to God, Universe and the highest deities, your ancestors, and, contemplate today about what is the noblest desire, that comes from the center of your being, your soul, Atman, the reason why you are here...and start the path to the fullfilment of that desire on this parctirularly auspicious day. Universe whill have your back, it will guide you and support you, you cannot fail.
