Vijayadashami marks the end of the nine-day Navratri festivities and the Durga Puja celebrations in India. It is believed that on this day, which is also known as Dussehra, Lord Ram killed Ravana and freed his wife, Goddess Sita, from captivity. Vijayadashami also symbolises the day when Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura.
Dussehra symbolises the triumph of good over evil, and stands as testament to the fact that truth and righteousness will always triumph.The day is celebrated with much fervour across the country, with many places burning effigies of Ravana and celebrating with sweets.
If you’re celebrating Dussehra this year, here are some dos and dont’s to keep in mind to ensure that you make the most of the cosmic energies of the date:
Dos:
Ask God for ‘Prana Shakti (life energy)’ from God instead of material happiness, as that is the true message of Vijayadashmi.
Practice conquering the ten inner evils hidden within you: anger, ego, greed, jealousy, laziness, lust, pride, hatred, lying and violence.
Make a promise to practice self-control to stay away from evils and negativity.
Practice patience and calmness to combat feelings of anger, be humble to overcome ego and focus on contentment to overcome greed.
Take a pledge to overcome jealousy by learning to be happy for others and get over laziness by working hard and setting schedules.
Observing fasts for the nine days before Dussehra are a reminder that good conduct can lead to new, positive beginnings, so keep these lessons learnt in mind on Vijayadashami and beyond.
On Dussehra, we burn Ravana effigies to symbolise good over evil and in the same manner, you can burn old clothes, photographs or any other tangible reminders of memories attached to a negative phase in your life. This can mean photos or gifts by your old partner, letters from the past, or anything else.
Worship the Shami plant on Dussehra, as it is believed to be auspicious (especially on VIjayadashami).
Prepare a vision board to manifest positivity and success, and because Dussehra symbolises good over evil, the cosmic energies will align and you might find yourself seeing your vision board come to life sooner than you expected.
Chant mantras like Durga Shapt Shati Mantras and Gayatri Mantra to evoke willpower and motivate you to walk the path towards achieving your dreams.
Don’t forget gratitude! Show gratitude towards everything you have achieved so far in life, and it will take you farther.
Dont’s:
Don’t focus on materialistic things and negative emotions of pride, jealousy, ego etc.
Avoid consuming tamsic foods like meat and eggs, onion and garlic, and alcohol.
Avoid laziness and do some activities – be it physical activity or completing a task that has been long pending.
Do not use foul language or lose control over your anger.
Do not indulge in feelings of lust or greed, as these never end well.
Do not harm any animal, plant or other living creatures, since everyone of these have life in them.
This piece has been written by Manvi Pareek, astrologer on coto.