Vijaya Dashami 2016: What does Dusshera mean?

Vijaya Dashami is of great significance as it marks the triumph of the good over the evil.

Pic courtesy: Thinkstock image for representation purpose only.

Mumbai: Navratri celebrations culminate with - Vijaya Dashami – also known as Dusshera – which marks the victory of the good over evil.

The auspicious day marks the victory of Lord Rama over demon-king Ravana thereby symbolising the victory of light over darkness, good over bad, enlightenment over ignorance, so on and so forth.

To remind humanity that good is invincible and that evil will cease to exist, people across India celebrate this festival with great devotion.

Mammoth effigies of Ravana are burnt to celebrate the defeat of the demon king at the hands of Lord Rama.

The day also marks the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasur.

Vijaya Dashami also means the triumph over of the ten varied vices that flourish in humans. Only when we overcome our shortcomings, we emerge victorious and the ultimate goal is to attain truth and achieve the absolute. And hence it is imperative to give up the following:

Kama vasana (Lust)

Krodha (Anger)

Moha (Attraction)

Lobha (Greed)

Garva (Over Pride)

Irshya (Jealousy)

Swartha (Selfishness)

Anyaaya (Injustice)

Amanavata (Cruelty)

Ahankara (Ego)

So this Vijaya Dashami, vanquish your shortcomings to emerge as a finer human.

A very happy Dasha-Hara to all of you.