Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of India's most significant festivals. Celebrated on the tenth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashwin, it marks the victory of good over evil. On this day, Lord Rama defeated Ravana, and Goddess Durga slew Mahishasura, bringing peace and removing fear.
Apart from Ravana Dahan and worship rituals, charity and donations hold special importance on this day. The scriptures say that donating on Dussehra brings everlasting blessings and ensures wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
Here are the items considered most auspicious to donate on Dussehra:
1. Secret Donation of Food and Clothes
Religious texts describe anonymous charity as the highest form of giving. Offering food or clothes quietly to the poor, needy, or Brahmins on Vijayadashami is believed to remove poverty and bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to the family.
2. Donation of a Broom
In Indian tradition, the broom is a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi. Donating a new broom to a needy or a temple on Dussehra is considered highly auspicious. It is believed to:
Remove negative energies and Vastu defects from the home
Attract wealth and financial stability
3. Yellow Clothes and Sweets
The color yellow is associated with good fortune. Donating yellow clothes or yellow sweets on Dussehra is said to:
Remove obstacles in business and career
Help complete stalled or delayed tasks
Bring success and prosperity
4. Suhaag Items
Donating suhaag items such as bangles, bindis, sindoor (vermilion), kajal, henna, etc to married women is believed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga and Goddess Lakshmi, ensuring:
Happiness and peace in the family
Stability and harmony in marital life
Things to Keep in Mind While Donating
Donations should be made to Brahmins, saints, or genuinely needy people.
Avoid donating sharp objects, pointed items, or leather goods, as these are considered inauspicious.
Always donate with humility and devotion, not for show or recognition.
Donations made with ego or pride are believed to lose their spiritual value.
