Symbolism of

Dussehra

Sweets: Victory & Sweetness

Quick Summary

Sweets are far more than just desserts during Indian festivals. They are closely tied to customs and traditions, and play a significant role in celebrations. This article examines how sweets symbolise the victory of good over evil, and it also promotes the idea of sharing, communal harmony, goodwill, and blessings from the Goddess Durga. Dive deeper to know more. 

Deep Dive

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, as the name suggests, is Vijay, meaning the victory of good over evil. Many of you may have heard stories of Durga killing Mahishasura and Rama defeating Ravana as two major celebrations that took place on this day. There are big processions and performances on this day, but another thing that steals the day is food, especially the sweets. 

In India, sweets are not just dishes that one enjoys during meals, but they also symbolise blessings, prosperity and the spirit of celebration. Exchanging sweets during Dussehra is a lot about sharing goodness, joy, and the moral triumph of good over evil. Anthropological and culinary studies have also shown that such food rituals reinforce community bonds, encourage reciprocity, and serve as tangible markers of religious and cultural identity. 

Sweets are offered to deities first, and then they are distributed as prasad to devotees, considered as a symbol of reverence, gratitude, and blessings from the divine. Regional variations in sweets, such as Mysore Pak, Puran Poli, and Shrikhand, highlight local ingredients, historical influences, and spiritual symbolism. Each sweet tells a story of victory, abundance, and celebration. This exchange is a physical manifestation of the moral lesson of Dussehra, which is about sharing goodness and celebrating the triumph of righteousness.

Sweets As Symbols Of Goodness

In Indian culture, sweets are often associated with auspiciousness. The act of exchanging sweets is an expression of goodwill, invoking blessings for the prosperity, health, and happiness of the families. Sharing sweets is also a form of celebrating the victory of good over evil. Studies in food anthropology highlight that when communities share sweets, it also leads to social interaction and the sharing of ethical values. 

Regional Variations And Their Significance

Different regions interpret the symbolism of sweets in unique ways. For example, Mysore pak, a ghee-rich sweet, which was originally prepared in the royal kitchens during Dasara celebrations, symbolises wealth, generosity, and divine blessings. In Maharashtra, puran poli, made with jaggery and chana dal, is not only a seasonal harvest dish but also embodies fertility, prosperity, and communal sharing during Vijayadashami. In Himachal Pradesh, Dham feasts typically include rice preparations, accompanied by pulses and vegetables. The sweets represent the bounty of the harvest, harmony and the shared joy of victory. These regional differences demonstrate how sweets reflect cultural identities and connect foods to historical and spiritual contexts. 

Prasad And The Ritual Of Offering

In India, sweets are offered to Gods before they are distributed among people. This act is believed to transform ordinary food into sacred prasad, which has divine blessings. When one eats the prasad, it assures that an individual is connected to the divine. Research on Indian ritual food suggests that this sequence of offering, sharing, and eating is an example of ritualised moral reinforcement, which is the symbolic meaning of celebrating Dussehra through daily practices.  

Social Bonding Through Sweet Exchange

Exchanging sweets among family, friends, and neighbours is an important Dussehra ritual. It communicates goodwill and strengthens social networks that share and celebrate victories collectively. Anthropologists studying Indian festival practices note that the act of giving sweets translates moral stories into tangible social acts, making the rituals more about community actions than individual ones. 

Historical And Cultural Context

The tradition of sweets during Dussehra is deeply rooted in history. For example, Mysore Pak originated in the kitchens of the Wodeyar palace, while Puran Poli has references dating back to medieval Maharashtra. These sweets have endured for centuries because they are more than just sweets; they are also symbols of moral and social lessons passed down from generation to generation. 

Sweet Exchange As A Metaphor For Moral Victory

Ultimately, the exchange of sweets is a physical enactment of Dussehra’s central theme, which is the triumph of good over evil. By sharing and eating sweets, the abstract ideals are translated into physical experiences. Sweetness from the sweets represents virtue, joy, and communal harmony. At the same time, sharing it with the community embodies moral responsibility. Studies have confirmed that such practices sustain cultural memory and teach ethical lessons across generations.

Contemporary Practices

In modern India, Dussehra sweets have retained their place, but they are now made with convenience and practicality in mind. However, the symbolic acts of buying, sharing, offering, and eating symbolise the same acts, ensuring the lessons through festivals remain relevant across ages.