Why We Celebrate Dussehra: Bringing Meaning to the Festival |...

Why We Celebrate Dussehra: Bringing Meaning to the Festival

Posted 2025-10-29 06:01:41

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Dussehra is more than just a day with fireworks or a giant effigy burning—it is a celebration rooted in deeper stories, traditions, and fresh beginnings. In Marathi homes, this festival invites children and families to remember that good conquers evil, effort leads to victory, and every ending has the promise of a new start.

One familiar story tells of Rama’s triumph over the demon king Ravana. The tenth day marks the moment of victory and hence the burning of Ravana’s effigy symbolizes defeat of greed, pride and violence. In our homes, this is a time to exchange aptrue cha paan (the golden-coloured betel leaf), wish each other well, and leave behind old arguments or grudges. It becomes a festival of cleansing and renewal.

Another tale speaks of the goddess Durga’s seven or multiple forms joining forces to vanquish the buffalo-demon Mahishasura. On Vijayadashami, these forces symbolise light, wisdom and good over darkness and ignorance. In many Marathi traditions, equipment and tools used during the year whether farming tools or modern machines—are honoured on this day as part of Ayudh Puja (worship of instruments). This reminds children and families that every tool we use must be respected and ethically employed.

In rural Maharashtra, the festival arrives at the end of the cropping season. With the first harvests ready or complete, families celebrate the earth’s bounty and the hard work of the fields. The tradition of “Seem ollanghan” (crossing the boundary) historically signified a new campaign, a movement beyond old limits. For children, it means the excitement of firsts and exploring new horizons.

At ChikuPiku, we believe Dussehra is a wonderful opportunity to help children connect with heritage, values and creative expression. Through story-magazine issues, audio tales and activity prompts, we encourage young readers to draw a simple rangoli, draw the story of Ravana’s defeat, share aptrue cha paan with friends, or reflect on one small way they choose “good over bad” in daily life.

In this way, Dussehra becomes not just a spectacle but a lesson: that kindness, truth and effort matter; that new beginnings are possible; that families and communities grow through ritual, reflection, and shared joy. Let’s use this day to plant seeds of courage, respect and curiosity in young hearts and help every child feel confident to walk forward into new stories of their own.