New Delhi: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) on October 10 greeted “Hindu brethren” on the occasion of Dussehra, a festival commemorating the victory of good over evils.
Hindus all over the world will celebrate the festival, also known as Vijaya Dashmami, on October 11.
“The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India offers its hearty felicitations to all Hindu brethren, in India and abroad, as they celebrate tomorrow the festival of Dussehra. May the celebrations of this sacred feast which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil rekindle in in us- believers of all faiths and people of good will, the spirit of promoting, both individually and collectively, all that is good, beautiful and true, for peace and well-being of everyone in the society.”
The CBCI press note from its secretary general Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas ended with seeking God’s “abundant blessings” on the country.
The festival is celebrated on the 10th day of the bright half of the month of Ashvin (September-October), according to the Hindu calendar.
Dussehra celebrates the Hindu god Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana (a mythical king of ancient Sri Lanka) and the triumph of good over evil. The epic Ramayana tells the story of the Lord Rama who wins the lovely Sita for his wife, only to have her carried off by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka.
Many Hindus observe Dussehra through special prayer meetings and food offerings to the gods at home or in temples. They also hold outdoor fairs and large parades with effigies of Ravana. The effigies are burnt on bonfires in the evening.
Dussehra is the culmination of the Navaratri (nine nights) festival.
Hindus also believe that it is lucky to start a new venture, project or journey on Dussehra. They may also exchange gifts of leaves from the Shami tree (Prosopis spicigera) as a symbol of the story of the Pandavas brothers’ exile in the Mahabharata stories.
Government offices, post offices and banks are closed in India on Dussehra.