Dussehra in United States of America

When did the Dussehra in United States of America start?

The first recorded date of Dussehra in United States of America being celebrated on October 12 was in the year 1995.

About Dussehra in United States of America Holiday

Greetings from the United States of America for this festive occasion of Dussehra!

The autumnal air is filled with blissful anticipation for Dussehra, the victory of good over evil and a celebration that unites the entire nation. Every corner of the United States celebrates the festival of Vijayadashami, often referred to as Dussehra in South Indian states of India, with great fervor. The festival is celebrated differently everywhere in the country but the essence of the festival remains the same – the victory of good over evil.

Dussehra symbolizes Lord Rama’s glorious victory over the demon king Ravana. It is believed that to celebrate the power of good, immense effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran, and Meghanada, the three sons of Ravana are burnt while people light candles of hope in the darkness of the night. Here in the United States of America, this epic battle of good over evil continues in various neighborhoods. People, from the youngest to the oldest, light up lanterns and fireworks to participate in the ancient Hindu tradition.

We, the people of the USA, hope that this occasion will bring peace and joy across the country and take away the darkness of sorrow and despair. Wishing everyone a great year ahead, may this celebration of Dussehra ignite hope and spread cheer throughout the nation!

Dussehra in the United States of America

Dussehra is a significant Hindu festival that is celebrated by millions of people in India and around the world. In India, it marks the end of Navratri and typically falls during the month of Ashwayuja in the Hindu lunar calendar. In the United States of America, it is celebrated on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. Dussehra is a festive holiday that is celebrated with much pomp and show throughout the country.

History and Origin

Dussehra is an ancient festival that has its origins in the Hindu mythology. It is believed that the festival was first celebrated during the reign of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu. The story of Dussehra goes back to the time when Lord Rama was exiled from Ayodhya due to the scheme of Lord Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka. After facing numerous obstacles, Lord Rama was eventually able to defeat Ravana and reclaim his kingdom. To mark his triumph, Lord Rama performed ‘Vijay Utsav’ (Victory Festival) in Ayodhya. This marked the end of Ravana’s terror and the start of the celebration of Dussehra.

Since then, the festival has evolved considerably and become more popular as its traditions have spread beyond India to countries around the world. In the United States of America, the observance of Dussehra is growing steadily as more and more people get to know about the traditions and festivals associated with it.

Significance and Meaning

Dussehra is celebrated to honor the victory of good over evil. For Hindus, it is a time to celebrate the triumph of Lord Rama and his slaying of the demon Ravana. It is a symbolic victory where good ultimately prevails and signifies strength of character, inner peace, and righteousness. According to Hindu mythology, Dussehra starts with the ritual of ‘ Rath Yatra’ (chariot procession) and ends with the burning of the effigy of Ravana. This is done to represent the destruction of evil forces and strengthen the concept of justice and truth.

Traditions and Celebrations

Dussehra is celebrated by all segments of the society in the United States of America. The festivities begin with a puja and havan (fire offerings) to mark the start of the ten-day festivities. People also decorate their houses and pray to the gods to get rid of all evil. On the day of Dussehra, large processions and templedecorated with lights are organized to signify the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana.

At night, effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnad are stuffed with firecrackers and then set alight. This ritual has great significance as it seeks to destroy evil forces and instill righteousness. After the burning of the effigies, people light sparklers and chant “Jai Shri Ram.” This signifies their prayer for the victory of good over evil in their lives.

Geographical Spread

The celebration of Dussehra can be seen in various regions around the United States of America. In the Western states such as California, Arizona, and Nevada, the festivities tend to be more vibrant with processions and the burning of effigies. In the Eastern states like New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, the celebrations tend to be more subdued. Here, the festivities focus more towards religious rituals such as puja, havan, and prayer services, rather than the large processions and effigy burning.

Apart from this, Dussehra is also celebrated in cities such as Houston, San Francisco, and Chicago. It is in these cities that the traditional Dussehra celebrations are fused with the contemporary culture. Here, the fervor and enthusiasm of the people is palpable and makes for an exciting and enjoyable experience.

Modern Day Observations

In modern times, the celebration of Dussehra in the United States of America has taken on a more secular form. The traditional rituals and festivities are still observed, but with a modern twist. Many people choose to celebrate by hosting ‘Dussehra Melas’ (fairs) at local temples or parks where they can enjoy cultural performances, plays, and rides. There are also festivals and street concerts featuring Indian music and dance.

Apart from this, Dussehra also serves as a time to embrace the Indian culture as well as appreciate other cultures through cultural exchange events. Such festivals are arranged in various cities by local Indian communities in order to promote unity and bring people from different backgrounds together.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

• Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the United States of America and is an important event in the Indian community calendar.
• Dussehra marks the victory of righteousness and the triumph of good over evil, which explains why it is celebrated worldwide.
• Traditionally, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad are set alight to signify the destruction of evil forces.
• In the Western states of the United States of America, the burning of effigies is the highlight of the celebrations whereas in the Eastern states, the focus is more towards religious rituals such as puja, havan, and prayer services.
• Dussehra in the United States of America has evolved into a secular form and is celebrated with more enthusiasm and vigor than ever.
• Persons of different backgrounds come together to celebrate Dussehra and appreciate the Indian culture.
• In modern times, Dussehra Melas (fairs) are organized in many cities where traditional festivities are fused with the contemporary culture.
• Dussehra is celebrated in various cities of the United States of America, the most popular ones being Houston, San Francisco, and Chicago.

Holiday Wishes

• May this Dussehra bring you lots of joy and happiness.
• Wishing you all the best this festive season on Dussehra.
• May the extraordinary victory of good over evil inspire you.
• May the forces of righteousness always be on your side.
• May this auspicious occasion bring you peace and prosperity.

Holiday Messages

• On this festive occasion of Dussehra, let us celebrate the victory of good over evil and the triumph of righteousness.
• Let us take this opportunity to eradicate all the negative forces that inhabit our lives.
• May your lives be filled with peace, joy, and prosperity this Dussehra.
• Let us come together and rejoice in the miraculous victory of truth and justice.
• Wishing you and your family a very happy Dussehra and a prosperous New Year.

Holiday Quotes

• “This Dussehra, don’t just burn the Ravana effigy; let’s burn all the hatred, envy, strife and sorrow that are present in our hearts and minds.” – Unknown
• “On this day, remember to eradicate the evil within so that the outside hugs a good and blissful life.” – Unknown
• “On this auspicious occasion, awaken the power within and let your positive energies flow.” – Unknown
• “On this day, let us keep in mind that the power to realize our destiny lies within us.” – Unknown
• “On the day of Dussehra, revive your courage and strength as you receive Ubhaya Bharthi’s blessings from within and without.” – Unknown

Other Popular Holiday Info

On the day of Dussehra, people in India observe a strict fast and indulge in nightlong vigil to honor the gods. Various read more items of symbolic importance are offered at the altar such as incense, candles, sweets, flowers, fruit, and a pot filled with ‘shodashopachasha’ (food made of 16 ingredients).

In the United States of America, Dussehra has gained immense popularity and is observed by the Indian-American community with much pomp and show. Many of the Indian store keepers also display Hindu goddess Durga and other deities in colorful clothing to signify the festive season. In many cities, the festivals are marked with carnivals and outdoor activities such as chariot processions, puppet shows, plays, fireworks, and folk singing.

Dussehra is an important festival that brings people of all religious and social backgrounds together and helps foster an understanding between various cultures. It is a time for rejoicing, thanking the gods for their blessings, and wishing everyone peace, joy, and prosperity.

It is, thus, that the festival of Dussehra is celebrated in the United States of America with much pomp and gaiety. From honoring the gods to celebrating the victory of good over evil, Dussehra is a time of joy and hope, and serves to remind us of the power of faith and righteousness.

Dussehra in United States of America Also Called
Thanksgiving.
Countries where "Dussehra in United States of America" is celebrated:

FUN FACT:
In year 1995, Dussehra in United States of America is celebrated on October 12 for the first time.

HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!

Content Update in Progress — We're currently preparing this section to bring you the most engaging and helpful information. Please check back soon for new updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Content Update in Progress — We're currently preparing this section to bring you the most engaging and helpful information. Please check back soon for new updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Content Update in Progress — We're currently preparing this section to bring you the most engaging and helpful information. Please check back soon for new updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Content Update in Progress — We're currently preparing this section to bring you the most engaging and helpful information. Please check back soon for new updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Content Update in Progress — We're currently preparing this section to bring you the most engaging and helpful information. Please check back soon for new updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Content Update in Progress — We're currently preparing this section to bring you the most engaging and helpful information. Please check back soon for new updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Content Update in Progress — We're currently preparing this section to bring you the most engaging and helpful information. Please check back soon for new updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
No news found.