Dusshera – In which ending triggers new beginnings

A Young Perspective on the Festival

Here is  8 year old Vihaan from Dubai, sharing his beautiful take on what is special about Dusshera.

Vihaan lives in Dubai but by heart belongs to Faridabad, Haryana, India.  He likes playing football, reading about space/ planets and eating paneer made by his mother. He loves planet Earth and does his bit by saving water.

Vihaan is a student of JSS Private school, Dubai and Chamatkaar.

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What Dussehra Means

What I understand that Dussehra for sure is a festival in which ‘ending triggers new beginnings.’  End of the ten faced Ravana, end of evil and the devil. It symbolizes victory of good over evil, victory of light over darkness.

How Dussehra is Celebrated

From ages, Dussehra is being celebrated to mark Rama’s victory over Ravana on the tenth day (end of fasting) of Navratra. Dusshera is celebrated in many  states of India by different names like Durga Puja, Navratri, VijayDashmi,  Garbha, Viswakarma. Also, Dussehra announces beginning/arrival of Diwali – with a gap of 20 days.

Personal Celebrations

Dusshera to me, means celebrating happiness and joy with family and friends.  I am full of beans from the starting of Navratri, to attend Grabha night,  celebrated in my community.  My mother makes lots of crunchy/yummy delicious food that’s is the icing on the cake and gets me very excited.

I wear new clothes and go to watch Ramlila. At the Ram Lila ground, a man would act like Ram, firing at the Ravana cut out. With this cracker starts bursting, with lots of cheering and clapping by all children. After that I ride on the swings and eats gol gappa and ice cream with my sister and enjoy almost through the night.

Unluckily, last year, the pandemic impacted even Dusshera. Due to this, I worshiped and celebrated Dusshera at home only, and missed Ramlila, Garbha and my friends.  I am praying on this “Victory Symbol Day Dussehra” that Corona also gets defeated soon so that I can play with my friends and can celebrate Dussehra with full enthusiasm next year.

Happy Dusshera – Happy Times!

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FAQs: Dussehra – Ending & New Beginnings

1. What is the main significance of Dussehra?
Dussehra symbolizes the victory of good over evil, marking Rama’s defeat of Ravana and the end of darkness in our lives.

2. When is Dussehra celebrated?
Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of Navratri, usually in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar.

3. How do different states in India celebrate Dussehra?

• North India: Ram Lila and burning Ravana effigies.

• East India: Durga Puja with idol immersion.

• West India: Garbha dances and worship.

• South India: Golu doll displays and prayers.

4. What does Dussehra teach children?

• The importance of good triumphing over evil.

• Reflection on personal growth and conquering bad habits.

• Celebrating family, community, and cultural heritage.

5. How can kids celebrate Dussehra safely?

• Attend cultural events with parents.

• Enjoy festive foods moderately.

• Participate in symbolic rituals like Ramlila and Garbha at home if needed.

6. Why is Dussehra called “an ending that triggers new beginnings”?
It signifies the end of negativity, bad habits, and evil, opening the way for new positivity, happiness, and opportunities.

7. Can Dussehra be celebrated at home?
Yes, children can celebrate Dussehra at home with family by performing prayers, watching Ramlila videos, and preparing small festive activities like swings, snacks, and rituals.

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This article is published by Bookosmia, India’s #1 publisher for and by young people. Bookosmia publishes stories, books, podcasts, events, TED-Ed talks, workshops, and more related to kids and young adults.

Photo Credit – Copyright Free, Royalty Free images from Pexels

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