Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major festival celebrated in India and by Hindu communities around the world. It marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with vibrant traditions, storytelling, and festive joy. For preschoolers, Dussehra is a wonderful opportunity to learn about important values like kindness, bravery, and making good choices while discovering the rich cultural traditions behind this special festival.
Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, following the nine days of Navaratri. The word "Dussehra" comes from the Sanskrit words "Dasha" meaning "ten" and "Hara" meaning "defeat," symbolizing the defeat of the ten-headed demon king Ravana by Lord Rama in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
The festival commemorates the victory of good (Rama) over evil (Ravana) and is a celebration of righteousness, bravery, and the importance of doing what is right. In some parts of India, Dussehra also celebrates the goddess Durga’s triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. These stories remind everyone, even the youngest among us, that good always triumphs over bad when we are brave, kind, and stand up for what is right.
The story behind Dussehra comes from the Ramayana, a famous Hindu epic. In the story, Lord Rama, the hero, embarks on a journey to rescue his wife, Sita, who was kidnapped by the evil king Ravana. After a long battle, Rama, with the help of his loyal brother Lakshmana and the monkey god Hanuman, defeats Ravana and rescues Sita. This victory is celebrated as Dussehra, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
For preschoolers, this tale can be simplified as a story about kindness, bravery, and teamwork—showing them that when we make good choices, help others, and stand up for what is right, we can overcome challenges.
Dussehra is celebrated in many joyful and colorful ways across India and by Hindu communities around the world. Here are some key traditions of Dussehra that preschoolers can learn about and enjoy:
One of the most iconic traditions of Dussehra is the burning of large effigies of Ravana, along with his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnath. This act symbolizes the destruction of evil and the victory of goodness. Families gather in public spaces to watch the effigies go up in flames with excitement and celebration.
For preschoolers, this tradition can be introduced as a fun story about how Rama defeated Ravana, emphasizing the importance of making good choices and standing up for others.
Lesson for Preschoolers:
During Dussehra, many communities hold performances called Ramlila, where the story of Lord Rama’s victory is acted out by performers. The colorful costumes, lively music, and dramatic storytelling make this an exciting experience for children to enjoy and learn from.
You can introduce preschoolers to the story of Rama, Sita, and Hanuman through simple storytelling, puppetry, or dramatic play, helping them understand the key themes of bravery and friendship.
Lesson for Preschoolers:
Like many festivals, Dussehra is a time for family gatherings and festive meals. Families prepare and share traditional sweets and dishes to celebrate the occasion. For preschoolers, making or sharing a simple treat can be a fun way to join in the celebration and learn about the joy of sharing and togetherness.
Lesson for Preschoolers:
In some parts of India, homes are decorated with colorful rangoli designs made from colored powders or flowers. These bright patterns, often made at the entrance of homes, symbolize welcoming good fortune and positivity. Preschoolers can make their own simple rangoli designs using chalk or paper, introducing them to the beauty of art and the joy of creating something festive.
Lesson for Preschoolers:
In some regions, large parades are held to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. People dress in costumes, and there are floats depicting scenes from the Ramayana. These joyful parades teach children about the cultural importance of the festival and allow them to see the community come together in celebration.
Lesson for Preschoolers:
While the celebrations are fun, Dussehra also teaches important values that preschoolers can easily understand and practice:
Goodness Wins: Dussehra teaches that goodness, kindness, and fairness will always win over bad choices. Preschoolers can learn to be good friends, make kind choices, and help others, knowing that their actions matter.
Bravery and Courage: Just like Lord Rama, children can learn that being brave and standing up for what is right—whether it's helping a friend or telling the truth—is important.
Forgiveness and New Beginnings: Dussehra marks the end of Navaratri, a time for reflection and renewal. Preschoolers can learn that it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as they try to make things better and learn from those mistakes.
Teamwork and Friendship: Lord Rama had help from his friends, Lakshmana and Hanuman, to defeat Ravana. Preschoolers can learn the value of teamwork and how helping others makes everything easier and more fun.
Even though preschoolers may be too young for some traditional aspects of Dussehra, there are plenty of activities that can help them celebrate the festival in a fun and meaningful way:
Tell a simplified version of the story of Lord Rama, focusing on his bravery and kindness. Use puppets, pictures, or toys to act out key moments like Rama rescuing Sita or Hanuman helping Rama find his way.
Let preschoolers create their own Ravana mask with paper and crayons. Talk to them about how Ravana had ten heads and why Rama had to stop him from doing bad things. This craft helps children understand the festival's story while having fun with art.
Using colored chalk or paper cutouts, guide preschoolers in making simple rangoli patterns. This activity helps them explore creativity while learning about the importance of decorating for festivals.
Organize a mini Dussehra parade where children can dress up as their favorite characters from the story (Rama, Sita, Hanuman) and walk around with their friends. This encourages imaginative play and teaches them the joy of celebrating together.
If possible, make simple sweets or share traditional Indian sweets like ladoos with the children. Discuss how Dussehra is a time to share and celebrate with family and friends.
Dussehra is a festival full of rich traditions, exciting stories, and important life lessons. By introducing preschoolers to this celebration through storytelling, crafts, and fun activities, we help them understand the values of kindness, bravery, and making good choices.
As we celebrate Dussehra, we teach children that good always triumphs over bad and that every new day is an opportunity to be kind, brave, and helpful. This joyful festival reminds us all of the importance of family, community, and the power of doing what is right—lessons that are meaningful for children and adults alike.