Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara, will be celebrated on October 24. The auspicious Hindu festival marks the end of the nine-day Navratri festivities during which devotees worship the different forms of Goddess Durga. In some regions, there are special dances like Garba and Dandiya Raas that are performed during Navaratri. One of the popular rituals on the day of Dussehra is greeting people with ‘Happy Dussehra’ by giving each other Apta leaves, also popularly known as ‘sona patta’. Dussehra 2023 Wishes, Greetings and Dasara Images: Send WhatsApp Status, Ram Ravan Yudh HD Wallpapers, Facebook Photos.

People exchange the sona leaves, calling it which means gold on this day. The scientific name of the heart-shaped leaf is Bauhinia racemosa. According to legends, the tradition of exchanging sona leaves dates back to the Maratha regime. As per traditions, the Maratha soldiers would bring back gold and were placed before God. In remembrance of this tradition, people started exchanging Apta leaves as a symbol of the gold distributed by the brave warriors. Dussehra 2023 Legends: Know Stories Related to Vijayadashami Celebrations That Mark the Culmination of Navaratri Festival.

Another important part of Dussehra festivities is the Neel bird, also known as Neelkanth or the Indian Roller bird, which holds great significance. The bird, majorly seen in the Himalayas and some parts of western and southern India, is associated with the celebration of Dussehra. According to the Hindu verses in Ramayana, the Neelkanth bird had a crucial role in Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. As per religious beliefs, it is said that Lord Ram spotted the Indian Roller bird as he began his journey to kill Ravana. Sighting the Neelkanth bird on Dussehra day is believed to help people get rid of their sins. It is also believed that if a person sees a Neelkanth bird and makes a wish, the bird takes the request to Lord Shiva on Kailash Parvat, who fulfils the desires. Dussehra 2023: From Salman Khan’s 'Prem Leela' to Prabhas’ 'Ram Siya Ram' - Bollywood Songs to Elevate Your Celebration!

Dussehra 2023: Know Why Apta Leaves Or ‘Sona’ Are Exchanged On Vijayadashami

On the day of Vijayadashami, several rituals, including Shami Puja, Aparajita Puja, and Seema Avalanghan, are followed by devotees with great devotion. Dussehra celebrations, rituals, and traditions can vary widely based on region, community, and family.  The main event of Dussehra is the symbolic burning of effigies of Ravana, which represents the triumph of good (Lord Rama) over evil (Ravana) as described in the Hindu epic Ramayana.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 24, 2023 10:48 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).