Story of Dussehra

Story

It was a holiday for Dussehra, Ria, along with her parents and younger brother Naman, was planning to go to the Dussehra fair. Since morning, Ria and Naman were very excited to go to the fair. Ria knew that Dussehra is celebrated to honour the victory of Shri Ram on the demon Ravana, but she wanted to learn more about the festival. 

So, Ria asked her father, “Papa, why do we celebrate Dussehra?”

Her father smiled and said, “I’m glad you asked, Ria. There is always a story or a message behind every festival. It’s important to know the significance of a festival before celebrating it.

Let me tell you both the story of Dussehra today.

Many years ago, there was a city in India called Ayodhya, ruled by King Dasharatha. He had four sons—Ram, Lakshman, Bharat, and Shatrughna. Among them, Ram was the eldest.

Ram was an obedient son. To fulfill his father’s promise,  Shri Ram, along with his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshman, went into exile for 14 years.

In the forest, they faced many hardships. One day, when Shri Ram and Lakshman were not at their cottage, the evil king of Lanka, Ravana, forcefully took Sita Mata to his city, which was across the sea. Ravana wanted to marry Sita Mata. He was a powerful and cruel demon with ten heads, and both humans and gods were terrified by him.

Shri Ram vowed to bring Sita back and punish Ravana for his wicked deeds.

While searching for Sita Mata, Shri Ram met the monkey king Sugriva and his friend Hanumanji.

With the help of Sugriva, Hanumanji, and the monkey army, Shri Ram crossed the ocean and reached Lanka. A fierce battle ensued between Shri Ram’s army and Ravana’s army, lasting many days. In the end, Shri Ram defeated Ravana and freed Sita Mata. With the defeat of Ravana, good triumphed over evil.

That is why, on Dussehra, the effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkaran, and his son Meghnad are burnt.

After completing 14 years of exile, Shri Ram, Lakshman, and Mata Sita returned to Ayodhya. The people of Ayodhya welcomed them with great joy and lit lamps all over the city. This day is celebrated as Diwali.”

After hearing the story of Dussehra, Ria and Naman were very happy and said, “We will always follow the path of truth and goodness, just like Lord Ram.”

In the evening, the whole family went to the Dussehra fair. The fair was full of life. There were all sorts of rides, toys, and delicious foods that were tempting everyone.

But what caught everyone’s attention were the three huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran. Ria and Naman couldn’t take their eyes off them. Just then, the smell of snacks from a nearby stall caught their attention. Everyone enjoyed the tasty treats.

Then, Naman insisted on riding the big swing, and both Ria and Naman enjoyed the ride.

There was also a Ramleela performance at the fair. All the actors portrayed the characters from the Ramayana beautifully. Ria and her family enjoyed watching the Ramleela. It ended with the burning of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnad. Everyone clapped and celebrated the victory of good over evil.

Ria and Naman happily walked back home with their parents.

Dussehra reminds us that no matter how powerful or widespread evil and lies may seem, they must always bow down before truth and goodness.