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Rejoice in the victory of good over evil this Vijayadashami on October 12! This ancient Hindu festival is steeped in rich history and mighty legends. Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, marks the epic win of Lord Rama over the demonic king Ravana, signifying the conquest of good over evil. This joyous day also celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. These stories, told from generation to generation, light the fire of hope and courage within us each year. Let's welcome this glorious festival and immerse ourselves in the reverberation of life it brings! Embrace the triumph, ignite the hope, and soar high in the spirit of Vijayadashami! It's more than just a festival, it's a celebration of life!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>600 BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Epic Origin</div><div class='timeline-text'>Vijayadashami celebrations are based on the Indian epic, Ramayana, believed to have been written around this time.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>320-550 CE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Gupta Dynasty Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Under the Gupta Empire, massive celebrations and performances of the Ramayana began to flourish during Vijayadashami.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Royal Dussehra Festival</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Vijayanagara Empire in South India initiated a grand Dussehra festival in Mysore, which continues to this date.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Durga Pooja Association</div><div class='timeline-text'>The celebration of Vijayadashami became associated with Durga Pooja, a major event where Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura is celebrated.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognized by Indian Government</div><div class='timeline-text'>Official recognition by the Indian government established Vijayadashami as a national holiday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrations moved online with virtual performances and rituals, showing the adaptability of this ancient tradition.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Nurture a new hobby</h3><p class='facts-text'>In India, Vijayadashami is seen as an auspicious day to start a new hobby or skill. It could be anything, from learning a musical instrument, painting, writing, to playing a new sport and more. Immerse yourself in something new and make it memorable.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize a Ramlila performance</h3><p class='facts-text'>Gather your community or family members and act out the story of Ramayana. Not only will this be fun and educational, it will also help keep alive the rich cultural traditions and stories that this festival celebrates.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Design eco-friendly effigies</h3><p class='facts-text'>The last day of Vijayadashami (Dussehra) often marks the burning of Ravana’s effigy. Keep this tradition alive but make it more environmentally-friendly by making your effigy from biodegradable materials or crafting a mini effigy at home.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a potluck feast</h3><p class='facts-text'>Offer a sumptuous feast by hosting a potluck where everyone contributes a dish. In this manner, the day can be made enjoyable and less taxing for everyone. Don’t forget to involve sweets typical of Vijayadashami like jalebi or rasgullas.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Give back to your community</h3><p class='facts-text'>Charitable acts are another great way to celebrate Vijayadashami. Arrange a food drive, donate to a cause close to your heart or volunteer at an organization. Your good deeds can bring about the triumph of good over evil in your community!</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebration of good over evil</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, inspiring hope and courage. It's a festival that reminds us that righteousness always wins and encourages us to strive for goodness in our lives, a principle that resonates with people everywhere.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Rich in cultural and traditional significance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Vijayadashami is steeped in rich history and mighty legends that have been passed down through generations. This festivals offers insights into our cultural heritage, tradition and legends, inspiring us to maintain our connection to our roots.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes community spirit and giving back</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The festival creates an occasion for communal harmony, joy, and sharing. From organizing Ramlila performances to hosting potluck feasts and participating in charitable acts, Vijayadashami strengthens community bonds and encourages individuals to give back to their community, further spreading the essence of goodness and benevolence.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Vijayadashami is known by several names</h3><p class='facts-content'>Vijayadashami is also referred to as Dussehra, Dashain, and Navaratri in different parts of India, each reflecting local traditions and languages.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The festival marks the end of Navaratri</h3><p class='facts-content'>Vijayadashami marks the end of the nine-day festival Navaratri and is considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Different traditions are practised in north and south India</h3><p class='facts-content'>In North India, it mainly celebrates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. In contrast, South Indians celebrate the defeat of the demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga, highlighting the rich regional diversity in India.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Immersion of Durga idols is a significant aspect</h3><p class='facts-content'>In many parts, Durga Puja is performed during this time, and the idols of Goddess Durga are ceremoniously walked to a river or ocean coast for a festive immersion into the water at the end of celebrations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Ravan Dahan" ritual symbolizes destruction of evil</h3><p class='facts-content'>"Ravan Dahan" or the burning of effigies of Ravana is a popular ritual on Vijayadashami, symbolizing the destruction of evil. The tradition has evolved over time, with communities now focusing on eco-friendly practices.</p></div></div>
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