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Vijayadashami in Maharashtra

By Ayanita

Dussehra or Vijayadashami is a significant Hindu festival which is gloriously celebrated throughout India as well as its surrounding countries. It is known as Dashain in Nepal and one of the largest festival of Bangladesh. In India it is celebrated across all the states with pomp and splendour.

In North India, Kullu is an important venue for Dussehra celebration, Mysore in Karnataka, Ernakulam in Kerala, Kulasekarapatnam in Tamil Nadu and Vijayawadain Andhra Pradesh have some of the unique celebrations in South India. While Odisha and West Bengal celebrate with grandeur and magnificence, Maharashtra in Western India has some of cheerful demonstration for Dussehra.

Vijayadashami in Maharashtra is one of the outstanding celebration which one should not miss. Commemorated on the tenth day of Navratri or Durgotsav, it refers to the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. The celebration is also viewed as the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasur. According to the Shaka Hindu Calendar, Vijayadashami in Maharashtra is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu month, Ashwin.

The deities which are worshipped throughout Navratri are immersed in water on Dussehra. It is a ceremonious occassion and as such people celebrate by exchanging sweets. Apta tree holds a huge significance amongst the Marathis. It is worshipped and the leaves of Apta tree are exchanged. It signifies good wishes and prosperous future for them. This is an ancient custom which started from the time of Raghuraja. He was one of the ancestors of Kubera and Rama.

Durga

Vijayadashami is also an important festival for the artisans in Maharashtra. Various kinds of tools they possess are worshipped on this day and are not used throughout the day. Marigold is an important flower which is used during the Dussehra. Saffron coloured marigolds are specially sold in huge quantities during this festival. Marathis use this flower for ritualistic purpose as well as to decorate work stations and houses.

Simollanghanis another considerable event of Vijayadashami in Maharashtra. On this occassion, people ritually surpass the limits of their communities and participate in the festivity of Dussehra. It is also considered a good day to start new projects, which has been considered since ages. In early ages, the kings or rulers of certain kingdoms used to announce war against other kingdoms on this day as Dussehra is also considered the beginning of war season.

Read more about: dasara navratri maharashtra
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