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Description:
Vijaya Dashami (Dasara) - After gaining boons that made him nearly invincible, Demon Mahishasura, is said to have won a war over Indra (the king of the gods). In order to stop Mahishasura from bringing plight to the worlds, Devi (the female divinity), waged war on him. Devi came in nine different avataras (manifestations) over the Navaratri (nine nights) of the war, and finally won the war on Vijaya Dasami (the tenth day). Each form that Devi came in represents a different aspect of female divinity. So, traditionally the nine forms are celebrated on nine nights, and finally the victory is celebrated on the tenth day: culturally, people celebrate through music and dance, getting together and having a feast. People set up the customary Golu or Bommala Koluvu (arrangements of dolls to depict traditional stories).

At Hindu Student Council’s celebration of Dasara this year, we will perform a samuhika puja (collective worship). We want to buy a few traditional dolls for the celebrations as well as encourage each participant to bring dolls. During Puja, everyone will collectively arrange and decorate the dolls. Celebration will be led through a traditional Sanskrit puja by our pujari (chaplain). The student representative, who will help the chaplain direct the group, will also add in English translations and explanations of the various segments of the puja to make the tradition come alive and become accessible to those with various levels of familiarity with the tradition. The event will end in a pankti bhojanam (traditional feast) for dinner.

If interested in singing after the puja, please let us know at hsc-board@mit.edu.

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MIT HSC