Vijaya Dashami 2010

Vijaya Dashami is observed on the day after the nine-day Navratri festival. It is last day of the Dasara festival in North India and Karnataka. Vijaya Dashami 2010 date is October 17. Durga Puja culminates on the day. Vijaya Dasami is observed as Vidhaya Arambham in Kerala. Symbolically, Vijaya Dashami marks the end of all evil and the rise of a new dawn – a fresh beginning.

The Navratri festival which commences on the first of the bright half of Ashwina month (September-October) ends with Vijaya Dashami celebrations.

In North India, Vijaya Dasami is considered to be the day when Ravana was killed by Lord Ram. The 10-day festival reaches its climax on the Dasami day with the burning of effigies of Ravana, Kumbakarna and Meghnath.

In Karnataka, Vijaya Dashami commemorates the victory of Goddess Chamundi or Goddess Chamudeswari over Demon Mahishasura.

Goddess Durga who arrived for Durga Puja and to bless her children returns on the Dasami day.

In Kerala, Vijaya Dashami is popular as Vidya Arambam. All tools and books that were untouched during the previous day (which is the Ayudha Puja day) are taken up after blessings from the Goddess on the day. Many people start learning music, art and new courses on the Vijaydasami day. Children are initiated into the world of letters on the day. People also use the day to begin new businesses and make new investments.

Vijaya Dashami is the victory of good over evil – Goddess Durga annihilating Mahisha and Lord Ram defeating Ravana. Symbolically, it is the prolonged struggle against the ego and ignorance in each human being. After the struggle there is the day of new beginnings – Vijaya Dasami.