Significance
Dussehra (Vijayadasami) falls on the tenth day of Shardiya Navratri and celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, and simultaneously the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. "Dasara" means "ten" -- the destruction of the ten heads of Ravana symbolizes the conquest of the ten vices: lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride, jealousy, selfishness, injustice, cruelty, and ego. It is also Shastra Puja day -- the worship of one's tools of craft and profession.
Preparation
Rituals & Vidhi
Shastra Puja
Worship your tools of trade -- a businessperson worships account books, an artist worships instruments, a soldier worships weapons. Apply kumkum, offer flowers, and pray for skill and ethical use.
Shami Tree Worship
Visit a Shami tree and offer water and flowers. Before the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas worshipped this tree. Exchange Shami leaves with neighbors as a symbol of victory.
Mantra: Shamidhatri Papanashini Sarvakamaphalaprada. Arjunasya Dhanurdhari Ramam Priyakarini.
Ravan Dahan
Attend or participate in the community burning of Ravana's effigy at sunset. As the effigy burns, reflect on which of the ten vices (represented by Ravana's ten heads) you wish to overcome.
Rama Stuti
Recite or listen to the Sundar Kand or the victory verse of Rama. Offer Tulsi to Rama and Sita at home.
Family Guidance
Take children to the Ravan Dahan event. Before going, discuss each of Ravana's ten heads and what each vice means in daily life. Ask them which one they want to personally conquer this year. This transforms a spectacle into a spiritual exercise.