Dussehra

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. The festival is observed on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashvin (usually in September or October), and it marks the end of the nine-day Navaratri festival.

The main legend associated with Dussehra is the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. According to Hindu mythology, Ravana had kidnapped Rama’s wife Sita and taken her to his kingdom of Lanka. Rama, aided by the monkey god Hanuman and an army of monkeys, waged a battle against Ravana and finally defeated him on the tenth day of the war, which is celebrated as Dussehra.

During Dussehra, effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghnath are set on fire in a symbolic representation of the victory of good over evil. The festival is also marked by colourful processions, music, dance, and feasting.

In some parts of India, Dussehra is also celebrated as a harvest festival, and people offer prayers to the goddess Durga, who is worshipped as the divine mother of the universe. It is believed that the goddess Durga fought and defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura during this time, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

Overall, Dussehra is a vibrant and joyful festival that celebrates the values of righteousness, courage, and victory over adversity. It is a time for people to come together and celebrate the spirit of unity and harmony, and to renew their faith in the triumph of good over evil.