Answer

Jains may observe or acknowledge Dussehra, but they do not celebrate it in the same way as the Hindu tradition of Ravana-dahan or victory of Rama over Ravana.

In Jain Dharma, the focus is not on burning an external enemy, but on conquering the inner enemies such as:

• Anger
• Ego
• Deceit
• Greed
• Attachment
• Hatred

Explanation

In many parts of India, Jains live within the broader Indian cultural environment, so some families may participate in social or cultural aspects of Dussehra. However, from a Jain spiritual viewpoint, the day is understood as a reminder that true victory is self-victory.

Jain Dharma teaches that the real “Ravana” is not outside us. The real enemies are the passions, called kashayas, especially:

• Krodh — anger
• Maan — pride
• Maya — deceit
• Lobh — greed

Overcoming these is the true meaning of spiritual victory.

Spiritual Understanding

The word Jina means “one who has conquered.” A Jina is one who has conquered attachment, aversion, passions, and karma.

So for Jains, any festival of victory should inspire:

• Forgiveness instead of anger
• Humility instead of ego
• Truthfulness instead of deceit
• Contentment instead of greed
• Ahimsa instead of violence

Takeaway

Jains may observe Dussehra culturally, but spiritually its message is to achieve Vijay over one’s own passions. In Jain Dharma, the highest victory is not defeating someone else, but conquering the self.