Dussehra - Well known Beliefs & Little known Science

People of India have a great attachment with their religious affairs. What we must understand is that the Indian traditions have always had their roots in scientific reasons.

Why do they say "The Sun Will Not Rise" during Dussehra? 

Belief 1 - It comes from a Sanskrit word Dasha+Hara, which literally means the defeat of the sun. it has been said that the sun would not have risen had Ravana not been defeated by Rama.
Significance - But the most interesting and unknown fact about Dussehra is that it also marks the end of the gloomy monsoon season and start of the cooler winter season. After Dussehra, farmers harvest the Kharif crops, which are also known as monsoon crops and plant the Rabi crops, which are also known as winter crops.

What do the 10 heads of Ravana signify?

Belief 2 - According to mythology, the 10 heads of Ravana symbolise his knowledge of the six shastras and four Vedas making him one of the most intellectual man in mythology. S
Significance - In Sri Lanka, Ravana has been given the status of a demi-god. For it is believed that under him, the country witnessed unparalleled advancements in science and medicine. In fact, several books on Ayurveda written by Ravana are still in existence.

Why are Yagnas performed on Dussehra?

Belief 3 - The 10 heads are also made to represent the 10 human emotions anger, jealousy, ego, lust, greed, pride, attachment, selfishness, injustice and cruelty. Yagnas performed during Navaratri and Dussehra are believed to cleanse one’s soul from these ten ruining qualities.
Significance - Yagnas are also ancient science that works on purifying the environment. Disease causing germs are more prevalent during the shift from monsoon to winter — this is exactly when Dussehra is celebrated.

While we enjoy such a science backed festival, we sadly forget to protect our precious environment. Places we find decorated with grandeur during festive time, are later seen overflowing with waste and garbage of the celebration.

5 Tips to celebrate Eco-Friendly Dussehra

Here we have compiled a few tips to guide you through an eco-friendly Dussehra. These may be tiny step you take towards an eco-friendly celebration, but please be assured of Ma Durga's and Lord Rama's unblemished blessings.

• Worship Organic Idols

Use only clay idols for the Puja & say NO to Plaster of Paris that reduces the amount of oxygen in water bodies, thereby killing aquatic life.

• Start being Eco-friendly

Painting the idols with organic colours, limiting the decoration to paper products & bio degradables like bamboo, using leaves for prasad distribution are clean & good measures.

• Avoid becoming DJs

 A good citizen will definitely care for his old neighbour and little kids/babies in the locality. Loudspeakers are definitely not fashion but nuisance.

• Curb Cracker Craze

Amidst festive madness, it gets impossible for people to refrain from bursting firecrackers in a large scale. Reduce the numbers & Save our environment.

• Atlast Do Less

Keep puja celebration simple and environment-friendly by limiting things such as Decorating puja pandals, Making food items or Energy spent on lightings.

The celebration of Dussehra signifies the conquest of good over evil & wisdom over ignorance. On this auspicious Vijayadashami day, let us start learning the art of recycling.

Festivals are the best time to recycle and reuse the discarded materials. Let us begin & spread this essential culture, starting this year's Dussehara.