As the festival of Dussehra approaches, cities across India prepare to burn giant effigies of Ravana, marking the triumph of good over evil. But beyond the fireworks and celebrations lies a quieter, deeper truth: we all carry our own Ravanas within us. These modern-day Ravanas are not just myths—they are the negative emotions and fears that hold us back.
They flare up in small moments—a harsh word, a pang of jealousy, a restless night of worry. And just like the ten heads of Ravana, these emotions can feel overwhelming. But Dussehra reminds us that victory does not always come from fighting our darkness; sometimes it comes from understanding, accepting, and transforming it.
Here are ten modern Ravanas many of us carry—and ways we can turn them into light:
Anger: It spikes when we feel wronged or frustrated. Left unchecked, it can hurt relationships and cloud judgment. Notice your anger without judgment. Take a deep breath and ask, “What is this feeling trying to tell me?” Use it as clarity to act wisely instead of impulsively.
Jealousy: That green-eyed feeling of wanting what others have can erode our happiness. Pause and reflect. Celebrate your own journey. Turn envy into inspiration and gratitude for what you already possess.
Fear: Fear keeps us from taking chances or speaking our truth. It can make the unknown seem terrifying. Accept fear as a signal rather than an enemy. Let it guide you gently, building courage instead of hesitation.
Self-Doubt: The inner voice whispering, “I’m not enough,” can make us shrink or postpone our dreams. Face it gently. Recognise your strengths and allow self-awareness to turn doubt into confidence and growth.
Guilt: When we feel we’ve done wrong, guilt can weigh heavily on our hearts. Acknowledge it, learn its lesson, and let it guide you toward empathy and kindness instead of self-punishment.
Resentment: Lingering anger or hurt can silently erode peace over time. Name it, release it, and allow forgiveness and compassion to take root. Resentment fades when it is acknowledged rather than buried.
Envy: Comparing ourselves to others can make us feel inadequate or unworthy. Notice the feeling, then redirect it into motivation. Appreciate your own path, and celebrate others’ successes without judgment.
Anxiety: Worries about the future or things beyond our control can steal joy from the present. Ground yourself in the present moment. Focus on what you can influence. Mindfulness and simple breathing exercises can bring calm.
Perfectionism: The need to be flawless can paralyze us, making it hard to start or finish anything. Accept imperfection as human. Celebrate effort, progress, and learning over perfect outcomes.
Insecurity: Feeling unsure of our worth, abilities, or place in the world can make us hesitant or defensive. Recognise your unique qualities. Nurture self-love and take small steps to build confidence. Each small act of courage lights up the shadow of insecurity.
This Dussehra, as effigies burn in the evening sky, let us also reflect on our inner Ravanas. Which negative emotions are holding us back? Which fears, doubts, or insecurities weigh us down? By naming them, feeling them fully, and letting them go, we make space for light, joy, and peace to enter our lives.
The festival, then, becomes more than a ritual of destruction—it becomes a celebration of transformation. Just as Ravana falls in flames, our inner negativity can be transformed into wisdom, kindness, and love. This Dussehra, the greatest victory is not over someone else’s evil, but over the shadows within ourselves. And in that victory, we discover the true light of the festival: hope, courage, and the freedom to be fully ourselves.
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