The Silent Thread of Bijaya Dashami: Beyond Victory Over Evil

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When most of us think of Dussehra or Bijaya Dashami, what immediately comes to mind is the burning of Ravan’s effigies or the final immersion of Goddess Durga after her victory over Mahishasura. Yet, tucked beneath these widely celebrated images is a far less-known facet: in some regions, especially in Bengal and parts of Odisha, Bijaya Dashami also marks the beginning of a ritual called “Bijoya”, a practice of reconciliation.

Historically, after the immersion of Durga, people would visit relatives, neighbors, even estranged acquaintances, to exchange sweets and embrace one another with the words “Shubho Bijoya” (Auspicious Bijoya). The underlying belief was that just as the Goddess departs to her celestial abode, humans too should dissolve their grudges, letting go of bitterness before life resumes its usual rhythm.

Interestingly, this echoes a much older mythological strand. In the Ramayana, after the war in Lanka, Rama performs a rare ritual called “Shami Puja”, praying under the Shami tree before returning to Ayodhya. The Shami tree, symbolizing forgiveness and renewal, is worshipped even today on Dussehra in many parts of India. The ritual reinforces that victory is incomplete if not followed by reconciliation and the restoration of social harmony.

In today’s world, where digital debates and social divisions harden faster than they heal, this forgotten essence of Bijaya Dashami feels strikingly relevant. The festival’s lesser-known message is not merely the triumph of good over evil, but also the courage to end cycles of resentment—to embrace community over conflict.

Perhaps this Dashami, beyond the spectacle of fireworks and rituals, we might revive that ancient practice of Bijoya: a sweet, a word of goodwill, and the quiet victory of reconciliation.

Subho Bojoya and Happy Dussehra

#AniruddhaDey #Aniauthor #HappyDussehra #DurgaPuja #Subhobijoya
You can get in touch with me through my
Email : author.aniruddha@gmail.com or aniruddha.dey@iitdalumni.com

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