What is Vijayadasmi?

Vijayadashami, often simply called "Dashami," is another name for the same Hindu festival celebrated as Dussehra. "Vijayadashami" is a Sanskrit term where "Vijaya" means victory, and "Dashami" refers to the tenth day. So, Vijayadashami essentially means "the tenth day of victory." 

It is used interchangeably with Dussehra and holds the same significance in commemorating the triumph of good over evil, particularly the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and various rituals across India.

Why Vijayadashmi Celebrated?

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil, with a specific focus on the following key events:

1. **Victory of Lord Rama:** The primary reason for celebrating Vijayadashami is the victory of Lord Rama, a significant deity in Hinduism, over the demon king Ravana. According to the epic Ramayana, Ravana had kidnapped Lord Rama's wife, Sita, and held her captive in Lanka. Lord Rama, with the help of his loyal allies, waged a war against Ravana to rescue Sita. On the tenth day of the battle, which is Vijayadashami, Lord Rama achieved victory by slaying Ravana and thereby symbolizing the victory of good (dharma) over evil (adharma).

2. **Return of Lord Rama:** Vijayadashami also marks the culmination of Lord Rama's 14-year exile, during which he had to live in the forest. After defeating Ravana and rescuing Sita, Lord Rama returned to his kingdom, Ayodhya, along with Sita and his brother Lakshmana. This return is celebrated as a joyous homecoming.

3. **Spiritual Significance:** Beyond the historical and mythological context, Vijayadashami holds spiritual significance. It signifies the triumph of righteousness, truth, and moral values over falsehood and unethical behavior.

4. **Cultural and Social Celebration:** Vijayadashami is not only a religious festival but also a significant cultural and social celebration in India. It involves various rituals, processions, music, dance, and the burning of effigies of Ravana, symbolizing the destruction of evil forces. It's a time for people to come together, celebrate with family and friends, and exchange gifts.

In summary, Vijayadashami is celebrated to honor the victory of good over evil, particularly in the context of Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, and it carries important moral and cultural significance in India.

How it is celebrated across the state of India?

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, and the customs and traditions associated with the festival can vary from state to state. Here is an overview of how Vijayadashami is celebrated in different regions of India:

1. **North India:**

   - In North India, the festival marks the end of the nine-day Navaratri festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. The last day, Vijayadashami, is a day of victory and is celebrated with processions, cultural performances, and the burning of effigies of Ravana, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

   - In some parts of North India, it is a tradition to worship weapons, tools, and vehicles on this day.

2. **West India:**

   - In the western state of Gujarat, Vijayadashami is celebrated with the famous Garba and Dandiya Raas dances, where people dress in colorful attire and dance to traditional music.

   - In Maharashtra, it is customary to exchange Apta leaves as a symbol of gold and wish for prosperity.

3. **East India:**

   - In West Bengal, Vijayadashami is a culmination of the grand Durga Puja festival. On this day, idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water, symbolizing her return to her divine abode.

   - In the state of Odisha, Vijayadashami is celebrated as "Vijaya Dashami" and is marked by the offering of prayers to idols of Goddess Durga.

4. **South India:**

   - In South India, Vijayadashami is celebrated as the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari or Durga over the demon Mahishasura. This is the final day of the nine-day Navaratri celebrations.

   - In the state of Karnataka, it's common to arrange and worship tools, instruments, and vehicles as part of Ayudha Puja.

5. **Central India:**

   - In states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Vijayadashami is celebrated with Ramlila performances depicting the life and victory of Lord Rama.

6. **Himachal Pradesh:**

   - In the region of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Dussehra is celebrated with the International Kullu Dussehra Festival, featuring elaborate processions and cultural performances.

7. **Punjab and Haryana:**

   - In these states, Dussehra is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama and the defeat of Ravana. It involves the burning of Ravana's effigies, along with cultural events.

8. **Tamil Nadu:**

   - In Tamil Nadu, the festival is marked by the display of dolls and figurines in households, known as "Golu." Families and friends visit each other's homes to view these displays.

9. **Bengaluru, Karnataka:**

   - In Bengaluru, the "Jamboo Savari" is a prominent event where an elaborately decorated elephant carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari through the city streets.

These are just a few examples of how Vijayadashami is celebrated across India. The customs and traditions can vary greatly from one region to another, but the common theme is the celebration of the victory of good over evil and the importance of righteousness and truth.