Dussehra 2023: Here's why we exchange aapta tree leaves on Vijayadashami

The women from Badlapur, selling apta leaves at Dombivili. Pic/Shrikant Khuperkar

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. It falls on the tenth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Ashwin, which usually corresponds to September or October in the Gregorian calendar. Dussehra holds immense cultural and spiritual importance and is marked by various customs and traditions, one of which is the exchange of Aapta tree leaves.

Significance of Dussehra

Dussehra is celebrated for different reasons across India, but its central theme revolves around the triumph of good over evil. The most famous narrative associated with this festival is the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, as recounted in the ancient epic, the Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama, aided by his devoted ally Hanuman, defeated Ravana and rescued his wife Sita from captivity.

In the eastern part of India, particularly in West Bengal, Dussehra is celebrated as Durga Puja, honouring the goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The southern state of Karnataka marks the festival with traditional dance and music performances, while Mysuru's grand Dussehra procession is famous worldwide.

The tradition of exchanging Aapta tree leaves

One of the lesser-known but interesting traditions associated with Dussehra is the exchange of Aapta tree leaves. Aapta, also known as Bauhinia racemosa, is a tree with beautiful and unique twin-lobed leaves. On Dussehra, people exchange these leaves as a gesture of goodwill and blessings.

The Aapta tree is often associated with the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Legend has it that Lord Rama, during his battle with Ravana, invoked the blessings of Goddess Durga to gain the strength and knowledge needed to defeat the powerful demon king. In response to his devotion, Goddess Durga blessed Lord Rama with a unique weapon known as the Aapta tree, which aided him in his ultimate victory.

This tradition symbolizes the victory of good over evil, with the Aapta tree leaves serving as a reminder of Lord Rama's divine assistance in his righteous battle. Exchanging these leaves is believed to bring prosperity, happiness, and protection from negative forces. It also reinforces the idea of unity, peace, and goodwill among people, fostering a sense of togetherness within the community.

Celebrating Dussehra in 2023

Dussehra is not just a day of celebration but a time for reflection and renewal of one's commitment to upholding moral values and righteousness. It reminds us that, ultimately, the forces of good will always triumph over evil, no matter how formidable the challenges may seem. So, as we exchange Aapta tree leaves on Dussehra, let us remember the significance of this tradition and the enduring message of hope and positivity that it carries with it.