Vijayadashami

by Dyuthi Ananth

Dashami, also known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, is a major Indian festival that symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.

Celebrated on the tenth day of the Navaratri festival, it marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana and, in some regions, the defeat of Mahishasura by Goddess Durga.

Beyond the mythological tales, Dashami represents renewal, courage, and righteousness—the cleansing of negativity and the rise of truth. It’s a time when communities come together to honor strength, wisdom, and devotion, lighting effigies, offering prayers, and reflecting on moral victories in their own lives.

The celebration is both spiritual and cultural, reminding people that inner discipline and faith can overcome life’s challenges.

For Bharatanatyam dancers, Dashami holds a profound spiritual and artistic significance. The festival’s emphasis on the triumph of dharma (righteousness) deeply connects to the essence of Bharatanatyam, which itself is an expression of devotion, storytelling, and the pursuit of truth through movement.

Many dancers begin new pieces or performances on Dashami, believing the day is auspicious for creative beginnings and the refinement of skill. Through expressive gestures (abhinaya) and rhythmic precision (nritta), dancers often embody the divine feminine energy of Durga or the heroic valor of Rama, channeling the same divine power the festival celebrates.

Thus, Dashami becomes not just a cultural event, but a spiritual moment where art and faith merge—an opportunity for Bharatanatyam dancers to honor tradition, purify intention, and renew their connection to the sacred purpose of dance.