Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, marks the victory of good over evil in Hindu mythology. It celebrates Lord Rama’s triumph over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the end of darkness and the beginning of righteousness. It is also connected to the goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura.

The tradition of exchanging the Shami or Apta leaf (often referred to as “golden leaf”) holds cultural significance. This practice is said to date back to when the Pandavas, in exile, hid their weapons in a Shami tree. On Dussehra, they retrieved these weapons and won their battles, marking a day of victory. The leaf symbolizes prosperity, goodwill, and the wish for future success.

Dussehra: Celebrating the triumph of good and sharing blessings for prosperity!

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated across India and parts of the world with great fervor. It marks the victory of good over evil and holds deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance.

Importance of Dussehra:

1. Victory of Good Over Evil:
   • In North India, Dussehra commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. The day symbolizes the triumph of righteousness and dharma (moral order) over adharma (immorality). Effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnad are burned to signify the end of evil.
   • In Eastern and Southern India, Dussehra also marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This victory is celebrated as Durga Puja, and the final day of the festival coincides with Dussehra.
2. Harvest Season: Dussehra is celebrated during the autumn harvest season. It is a time of thanksgiving and community celebrations, marking the end of the monsoon and the beginning of cooler weather in most parts of India.
3. New Beginnings: The festival is considered an auspicious time to start new ventures, projects, or business initiatives. Many people purchase new tools, vehicles, or electronic items and worship them for success and prosperity.
4. Cultural Significance: Dussehra is marked by dramatic enactments of the Ramayana, called “Ramlila,” which are staged across towns and villages, culminating in the burning of Ravana’s effigy. It’s also a time for family gatherings, feasts, and exchange of good wishes.

The Significance of Giving Leaves on Dussehra (Shami/Vijaya Dashami):

One of the rituals associated with Dussehra is the exchange of Shami leaves (Prosopis cineraria), also known as “Apati ke patte” in some regions. These leaves are exchanged as a symbol of respect, friendship, and goodwill. The tradition is rooted in the story from the Mahabharata:

• Pandavas and the Shami Tree: According to the epic Mahabharata, when the Pandavas lost their kingdom in a game of dice, they were forced into exile for 13 years, including one year in disguise. Before going into the final year of exile, they hid their weapons in a Shami tree. After their period of exile ended, they returned on Vijayadashami, took their weapons from the tree, and defeated their enemies. Since then, the Shami tree has been considered sacred, and its leaves symbolize valor, victory, and good luck.
• Offering of Shami Leaves: During Dussehra, people offer Shami leaves to one another, referring to them as “gold leaves.” This practice is believed to bring prosperity, good fortune, and strengthen social bonds.

Thus, the giving of leaves on Dussehra connects the themes of victory, remembrance of the Mahabharata, and the hope for future prosperity.