Today we celebrate a festival commonly called Dussehra in India. The correct word, and its spelling, is Dasha-haraa, literally meaning the removal of the ten (heads of Raavan). Another name for this festival is Vijaya Dashami, literally meaning the tenth date of the month when Raam secured victory. On today’s date, Shri Raam slayed Raavan in battle. Since then people have been focusing on, and celebrating this victory. As part of the celebrations, people in India burn an effigy of Raavan. To find dimensions of meaning in this festival and thus ensure that the festival remains relevant, we must ask the question: What lesson is there in this celebration for us living in this so-called modern age?
Arya Samaj says the message is simple and clear. A Raavan is living in each of us. That Raavan is in the form of violence and arrogance. One breeds the other. Arrogance gives way to violence, and a violative spirit strengthens arrogance. To rise above our animality, through our humanity, and arrive at divinity, our Raam-like Soul must slay the Raavan-like violence that rocks us and destroys our peace. The way we burn the Raavan-effigy on the outside, we must burn the Raavanic vices inside of us. Without this parallel psychological killing and burning, the outside celebration and frolic is merely an annual sport that loses significance as the years pass by.
Rishi Dayananda urges us to make Dussehra a truly genuine holiday by focusing on our violative and arrogant spirit and resolving to replace such negativity with positive traits like tolerance and understanding. Raavan represents darkness. Raam is light. Replace Raavan with Raam in your life this Dussehra and let’s celebrate. Happy holiday. Namaste!