Based on cultural beliefs, the 5 auspicious things to see on Dussehra are:Neelkanth (Indian Roller bird): Seen as a symbol of Lord Shiva and divine blessings. Seeing it on Dussehra is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and progress throughout the year.Shami Tree (Prosopis tree): Worshipping and seeing the Shami tree on Dussehra is said to remove obstacles and bring wealth and success.Victory Star (Vijay Tara) at evening: Viewing this star with devotion fulfills wishes and brings benefits.Fish: Seeing a live fish on your journey is considered a good omen. Feeding fish is also believed to be beneficial.Turtle: Spotting a turtle on Dussehra is considered auspicious and is said to bring prosperity and gains.

On the day of Dussehra (Vijayadashami), seeing the Indian Roller bird (Neelkanth) is highly auspicious. While the Neelkanth is the most prominent sight, other traditionally lucky symbols include a Shami tree, weapons, gold, and a wedding couple. 

Mumbai: This year, Dussehra will be celebrated on October 2, 2025. On this day, spotting the Neelkanth bird (Indian roller) is believed to bring immense good fortune.

Many devotees keep their eyes on the sky from early morning, waiting to catch a glimpse of this sacred bird. But do you know why it is considered so important to see the Neelkanth on Dussehra? Let’s find out.Significance of Seeing Neelkanth on Dussehra

On Dussehra, the sight of the Neelkanth bird is regarded as extremely lucky. It is associated with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and symbolizes prosperity, peace, and success. It is said that those who witness the bird on this day are blessed with auspicious beginnings and achievements throughout the year.Mythological Connection with Lord Rama

According to legend, before and after killing Ravana, Lord Rama saw the Neelkanth bird, which became a sign of triumph. After Ravana’s death, Rama was burdened with the sin of killing a Brahmin (since Ravana was a Brahmin by birth). Pleased with Rama’s devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of the Neelkanth bird and absolved him of the sin. Hence, spotting this bird on Dussehra is considered a symbol of divine victory and blessings.

Neelkanth as a Symbol of Positive Energy

In Hinduism, the Neelkanth bird is believed to radiate positive energy. Its presence removes negativity and opens the path for good luck. Seeing the bird on Dussehra is said to bring prosperity, happiness, and long-lasting success into one’s life.Beliefs Related to Marriage and Victory

There is also a belief that unmarried individuals who see the Neelkanth bird on Dussehra will soon find suitable life partners, as obstacles in marriage get removed. Along with this, if the Neelkanth is seen near a Shami tree, it is regarded as a powerful omen of victory over enemies and success in battles of life.

In essence, Neelkanth Darshan on Dussehra is not just a ritual but a spiritual belief that connects divine blessings with nature. It is seen as a reminder that victory, prosperity, and peace come when the divine and the natural world are in harmony.

1. Neelkanth (Indian Roller bird)

The name “Neelkanth,” or blue throat, is associated with Lord Shiva, who is said to have swallowed a potent poison to save the world. 

The name “Neelkanth,” which means “the blue-throated one,” is associated with Lord Shiva based on a significant event in Hindu mythology. During the cosmic event of Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean), a deadly poison called Halahala emerged that threatened to destroy the universe. Out of compassion to save all beings, Lord Shiva swallowed this potent poison. To prevent it from harming his body, Goddess Parvati pressed his throat, causing the poison to remain in his throat and turn it blue. Since then, he has been known as Neelkanth. This act symbolizes Shiva’s self-sacrifice, compassion, and his role as the protector of the universe. The story is mentioned in several Hindu scriptures, including the Bhagavata Purana, Shiva Purana, and Vishnu Purana.

• Mythology: Before the battle with Ravana, Lord Rama is believed to have seen the Neelkanth bird, interpreting it as a divine omen of his impending victory.
• Significance: A sighting is thought to bring good luck, success, and prosperity for the year ahead, as it symbolizes the victory of good over evil. 

Neelkanth: What happened to Dussehra’s lucky charm?

Meerut: Spotting a Neelakanth or Indian Roller or (Kashmir Roller or Eurasian Roller) on Dussehra is considered auspicious, something that “guarantees a prosperous year ahead”. However, over the years, spotting the bird on any given day, let alone Vijay Dashami, has become extremely rare. Birdwatchers and experts have expressed concern over its dwindling populations. “Until a few years ago, Neelkanth was easily visible in western UP, but now with its shrinking habitat, spiting it has become rare.

The bird requires two things to survive – plenty of insects and trees with deep cavities. Both of them are fewer in numbers, thanks to excessive felling of trees and use of pesticides in the fields,” said Dr Rajat Bhargava, a senior scientist and ornithologist at Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
However, the recent sighting of three birds in Meerut has rekindled Bhargava’s hope.
“I witnessed three Eurasian Roller, a species of the Neelkanth found in Eurasia which reaches up to Kashmir for breeding and hence also known as Kashmir Roller. This time, there seems to be early migration of the bird to the west UP plains,” Bhargava added.

Neelkanth has religious significance. It is believed that before achieving victory over demon king Ravan, Ram had spotted the bird and ever since it is considered to be a good omen to be able to spot the bird on Dussehra. The bird considered a symbol of Lord Shiva.
Though there has been no formal count of the bird, but forest officials admit a decline in their population.
“The main cause of their dwindling population is the use of large quantities of pesticides in the farmlands. Neelkanth is strictly insectivorous and is at the top of the food chain. Pesticides kill these insects which are their food base. In addition, the felling of dead and dying trees is also one of the reasons,” said divisional forest officer, Meerut, Aditi Sharma.

According to birdwatchers, there was a time when Meerut had a bustling Neelkanth population owing to a healthy green cover, mainly because of presence of one of the largest Army Cantonments in the district, butmassive construction in the last decade has led to felling of many old trees.
“Those trees were the breeding centres of these birds which are no longer there. And, this is not confined to just Cantonment. It is happening in the entire western UP belt. But there is a silver lining. Promotion of organic farming might reverse the decline as worms will find their way back into the farmlands. Now, all we need is to save trees,” Bhargava said.

Shami tree

Also known as the Vanni tree, the Shami tree is sacred to many deities and associated with the Mahabharata.

• Mythology: The Pandavas are believed to have hidden their weapons in a Shami tree during their exile. They retrieved the weapons and worshipped the tree on Vijayadashami before going to battle.
• Significance: Worshipping the Shami tree or seeing the Neelkanth bird near it on Dussehra is believed to grant victory over enemies and success in endeavors. 

Essay on Dussehra – History, Significance & Celebration

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals in India. This festival marks the victory of good over evil, reminding us of timeless values like courage, truth, and righteousness. The festival is celebrated with grandeur through Ram Leela performances, burning of Ravana effigies, colorful fairs, and exchanging Happy Dussehra wishes with friends and family.

This Dussehra essay explains the history, significance, and traditions associated with the festival. It also covers how different regions celebrate, why the festival is culturally important, and how children can learn values through stories of Lord Rama and Goddess Durga. Whether you are looking for Dussehra wishes, preparing a Dussehra speech for school, or simply want to learn more about Indian traditions, this guide is your one-stop resource.

History of Dussehra

The story of Dussehra is deeply rooted in Indian mythology and has been told for centuries through scriptures, plays, and folk traditions.

• The Ramayana Connection
  According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama killed the demon king Ravana on this day after a long battle. Ravana had abducted Sita, and Rama fought to rescue her with the help of Hanuman and his army. The burning of Ravana’s effigies during Dussehra symbolizes the destruction of evil and the victory of good.
• The Mahabharata Connection
  In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas hid their weapons in a Shami tree before going into exile. On Vijayadashami, they retrieved their weapons, marking the beginning of their victorious return.
• Durga and Mahishasura
  In eastern India, Dussehra is linked to Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This represents the divine triumph of feminine power against tyranny.

These stories highlight why the Dussehra festival holds a sacred place in Indian tradition.

Why Do We Celebrate Dussehra?

Many people ask this common question: Why do we celebrate Dussehra?

• To honor Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.
• To celebrate Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura.
• To mark new beginnings, harvest, and prosperity.
• To remind us of timeless values like truth, unity, and courage.

This makes Dussehra a festival of both cultural richness and personal inspiration.

Significance of Dussehra

The importance of Dussehra lies not just in its mythological background but also in the values it teaches.

1. Victory of Good Over Evil
   It symbolizes that no matter how powerful evil may seem, truth and virtue will always win.
2. Moral Lessons
   Schools often assign a Dussehra essay for kids so that children can learn lessons of honesty, courage, and discipline from Lord Rama’s life.
3. Cultural Unity
   The festival unites people from different states and religions, as celebrations include fairs, dances, plays, and prayers.
4. Harvest and Prosperity
   In many farming communities, Dussehra also marks the end of the monsoon season and the start of harvest, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.

How Dussehra is Celebrated Across India

The Dussehra celebration is unique across regions, though the core message remains the same.

North India – Ram Leela and Ravana Dahan

• Cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Varanasi host Ram Leela plays for nine days leading up to Dussehra.
• On the tenth day, giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are set on fire, cheered by large crowds.
• Families gather to exchange Happy Dussehra wishes and celebrate community spirit.

West Bengal – Durga Puja and Vijayadashami

• Dussehra marks the conclusion of Durga Puja.
• Idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in rivers, symbolizing her return to Mount Kailash.
• Women perform Sindoor Khela (vermillion play) before the immersion, which has become a cultural highlight.

Gujarat – Navratri and Garba

• In Gujarat, the nine nights of Navratri are filled with Garba and Dandiya Raas dances.
• Vijayadashami marks the end of the festival with prayers to Goddess Durga.

South India – Mysore Dussehra

• Mysore in Karnataka celebrates with royal processions, decorated elephants, and cultural performances.
• The Mysore Palace is lit up, attracting thousands of visitors.

Maharashtra – Exchange of Apta Leaves

• People exchange Apta tree leaves, symbolizing gold, and wish prosperity to each other.

This diversity shows how Dussehra festival traditions in India reflect unity in diversity.

Happy Dussehra Wishes and Greetings

Sharing wishes is an integral part of festivals. Here are some thoughtful Dussehra wishes you can use:

• “Happy Dussehra! May the victory of good over evil inspire you toward a successful path.”
• “This Dussehra, may you conquer all challenges and lead a life of truth and courage.”
• “Sending warm Happy Dussehra wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity to your family.”
• “Let this festival remind us to destroy our inner demons and live with kindness and wisdom.”

These wishes are widely shared on WhatsApp, social media, and greeting cards during the festive season.

Dussehra in Modern Times

While traditional rituals remain strong, Dussehra celebrations have adapted to modern lifestyles.

• Eco-friendly effigies are gaining popularity to reduce pollution.
• Online platforms allow people to send Dussehra wishes and celebrate virtually with family across the world.
• Schools and colleges organize Dussehra essays, speeches, and competitions to engage students in cultural learning.

The festival continues to hold relevance by blending age-old traditions with modern practices.

Dussehra Essay for Students

If you are preparing a Dussehra essay for kids or students, here’s a sample structure:

1. Introduction – State what Dussehra is and why it is celebrated.
2. History – Explain stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Durga Puja.
3. Significance – Describe its moral, cultural, and social importance.
4. Celebrations – Mention regional variations like Ram Leela, Durga Puja, Garba, and Mysore processions.
5. Conclusion – End with the lesson of victory of good over evil and share Happy Dussehra wishes.

Such essays help children understand the festival while also practicing moral storytelling.

Essay on Dussehra

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated in India. It usually falls in September or October, marking the end of Navratri. The festival carries deep cultural and religious significance, as it symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

The history of Dussehra is linked with two major stories from Indian mythology. The first comes from the Ramayana, where Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana on this day. The burning of Ravana’s effigies during Dussehra represents the destruction of evil. The second story comes from the legend of Goddess Durga, who killed the demon Mahishasura after a long battle. Both stories remind us of the power of truth, courage, and righteousness.

The significance of Dussehra goes beyond mythology. It teaches us that evil, no matter how strong, will eventually be defeated by truth and goodness. The festival also encourages people to overcome their inner weaknesses such as anger, pride, and greed. For children, writing an essay on Dussehra in school or giving a speech helps them understand the values of honesty and bravery.

Celebrations of Dussehra vary across India. In North India, people perform Ram Leela plays for nine days, followed by the burning of large effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran on the tenth day. In West Bengal, Dussehra marks the conclusion of Durga Puja, when beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in rivers. In Gujarat, people celebrate with Garba and Dandiya dances during Navratri, which ends with Vijayadashami. In Mysore, Karnataka, Dussehra is celebrated with royal processions and grand decorations of the Mysore Palace.

Apart from its cultural richness, Dussehra also holds agricultural importance. In many farming communities, it marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of harvest. People worship their tools, vehicles, and instruments, seeking prosperity for the coming year.

In modern times, Dussehra celebrations are becoming more eco-friendly, with awareness about reducing pollution from burning effigies. People also share greetings and messages through social media to stay connected with family and friends.

In conclusion, Dussehra is more than just a festival. It is a reminder that goodness, truth, and justice always triumph in the end. By celebrating Dussehra, we not only honor our traditions but also inspire ourselves to live with honesty, courage, and compassion.

This format works well for schools and competitions.

The Dussehra essay reflects more than just a festival; it tells the story of resilience, unity, and moral victory. From Ram Leela plays in North India to Durga Puja in Bengal and Mysore’s grand processions in the South, Dussehra remains one of India’s most vibrant cultural festivals.

As families exchange Happy Dussehra wishes and celebrate traditions together, the festival continues to inspire future generations. Its message of defeating evil and embracing good is timeless, making Dussehra not just a festival but a way of life.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the importance of Dussehra?
The importance of Dussehra lies in its message of the victory of good over evil. It inspires people to follow truth, courage, and righteousness while reminding us to conquer our inner weaknesses like anger, greed, and pride.

Q2. Why do we celebrate Dussehra?
We celebrate Dussehra to honor the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. It symbolizes the triumph of good forces over evil and marks new beginnings and prosperity.

Q3. How to write a short Essay on Dussehra for kids?
A short essay should include:

• An introduction about the festival
• A brief history from Ramayana or Durga Puja
• Its moral significance
• Regional ways of celebration
• A concluding message of good over evil

Q4. How is Dussehra celebrated in different states of India?

• North India: Ram Leela and Ravana Dahan
• West Bengal: Conclusion of Durga Puja with idol immersion
• Gujarat: Navratri Garba and Dandiya Raas
• Karnataka: Mysore Dussehra processions
• Maharashtra: Exchange of Apta leaves for prosperity

Q5. What is the message of Dussehra festival?
The festival conveys that truth and goodness may face struggles, but they always win in the end.

Q6. Can I use Dussehra wishes in an essay?
Yes, adding Dussehra wishes in your essay can make it more engaging, especially if it is meant for festive greetings, school assemblies, or online sharing.