While in many cultures religious holidays are often dedicated to gods, kings, or heroes, in India there is a very special day dedicated to a goddess – and thus to femininity itself. Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is not only a spiritual festival but also a public holiday that causes millions of people to pause and honor the principle of female energy – Shakti.
The myth behind the festival
The origin of this holiday goes back to the stories of the Devi Mahatmya, a part of the Markandeya Purana. There it is described how the goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura. Her victory symbolizes the triumph of divine feminine power over destructive forces. It is more than just a legend – it is a philosophical affirmation that strength can be not only physical, but also spiritual, moral, and creative.
But Dussehra is more multifaceted: In other classical texts such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, Vijayadashami is associated with the victory of righteousness (Dharma) over unrighteousness (Adharma). Despite this complexity, the deepest meaning remains the recognition of female energy as the source of life and balance in the universe.
Femininity as a social force
What is particularly remarkable is that this holiday is officially recognized. In the midst of a society often shaped by patriarchy, this sends an official signal: Female energy is not only something valued in private, but has its place in public life, in the calendar, and in the collective consciousness.
On this day, India honors not only a goddess, but what she embodies – femininity as a creative, protective, and resilient force. This also reinforces the idea that true strength arises from harmony, compassion, and spiritual depth.
A message for the world
Dussehra shows that festivals can be more than tradition and custom. They are a reflection of a culture’s values. The fact that India places female power at the center of an entire holiday is a powerful signal that goes far beyond religious dimensions.
At a time when equality and the role of women in society and the economy are being discussed worldwide, this festival is a reminder: Femininity is not only to be respected, but to be celebrated – as a source of creation, balance, and resilience.