The Real Demon

Folklores connected with our festivals make up for interesting stories, comprising very colourful characters. These fables have a mention in our great scriptures, having great moral value. But apart from the characters tinged in the shades of black, white and grey, there’s strong symbolism in these fables and the excitement over the story sometimes pales this important symbolism and we miss the important underlying message.

Therefore Dussehra, celebrating slaying of Ravana by Lord Rama and Bijoya, celebrating departure of Durga Ma after killing Mahishasura, in fact symbolise victory of good over evil, also reflected by burning of Ravana’s effigy and immersion of Durga’s idol.

This Dussehra let’s slay the demon of communalism, regionalism, casteism, factionalism, gender bias, corruption, divisiveness and personal vices by burning or drowning them and emerging victorious a la Lord Rama or Goddess Durga. We must celebrate all rituals and eat the best sweet meats, but not waste the opportunity by overlooking the underlying great symbolism.

Happy Dussehra and shubho Bijoya!