Navratri & Dussehra Celebration 2021
Venue- Santripti
According to Hindu scriptures, Dussehra marks the end of the nine days of Navratri which began on 7 October. This special day signifies the victory of good over evil after Lord Rama defeated Lanka king Ravana (the 10-headed demon king). Moreover, devotees around the world observe and celebrate this day to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over demon king Mahishasur. On the 10th day of Ashvin month of the Hindu calendar, Dussehra or Vijayadashmi is celebrated. For many, this grand day also marks the beginning of the Diwali festival which takes place 20 days after Dussehra.
Dussehra or Vijayadashmi has various stories behind it and so the festival is celebrated in different ways across India. For instance, in most states in North or Western India, Dussehra is celebrated in honour of Lord Rama. Ram lilas, which are re-enactment of musical plays based on the Ramcharitramanas are performed leading to Dussehra when large effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran and Meghanad are burnt down.
Indus Business Academy (IBA) has also celebrated Navratri and Vijayadashami this year like every year. The celebrations this year began with the sthapana of Goddess Durga idol in Santripti on 7th October 2021. From 11th October to 14th October, every morning and evening Puja was conducted by Dr. Manish Jain along with sweets distribution sponsored by few faculty members of IBA and also few students from batch 20-22. On 13th October, the YMCC committee hosted a special dinner for the students. On 14th October, students at IBA played Dandiya and danced joyfully. On the day of Vijayadashami (15th October), which is the final day of celebration, a morning Pooja was conducted as usual and at 6 P.M. On the same day, Goddess Durga idol’s visarjan happened. From 7 P.M. the virtual event started with a few cultural programs like singing, dancing, and poetry. Immediately after the cultural Ravan Dahan by Dr. Subhendu Dey, which took place in front of Santripti in a grand way by. At the end of the day, students at IBA had a special dinner on the occasion of Vijayadashami.
While the festival is known by different names, its essence remains the same, which is the victory of good over evil; the establishment of Dharma over Adharma. At a spiritual level, Dussehra or Vijayadashmi also signifies the end of negativity and evil within us (biases, prejudices, stereotypes) and marks a fresh new beginning.
