Dussehra Celebrations in India

Dussehra is a popular Hindu festival which celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated on the 10^th day after Navratri ends and is also known as Vijay Dashmi, which means the tenth of victory.

It is believed that Lord Rama killed Ravana on this day and rescued his wife Sita.

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The day also marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasur. It is believed that Goddess Durga fought with the demon Mahishasur for nine nights and finally emerged victorious on the tenth day.

Dussehra is celebrated in various parts of India to mark the victory of good (Lord Rama) over evil (demon Ravana). The effigy of Ravana is burnt to end the evil. Special prayer meetings are held on the day of Dussehra. People also offer food to poor on this day.

Dussehra is celebrated differently in different parts of the country. Many events are organised throughout Navratri and on the day of Dussehra. Mysore Dasara is one of the famous and remarkable dussheras of the country. Ravana Dahan is one of the important events which take place in almost all the areas of the country. After the effigy of Ravana is burnt, people burst crackers and feast on delicious dishes.

Exhibitions are organised which continue even after Navratri and Dussehra end. Dussehra is one of several examples of how humanity unites to root out evil and respect good. In a way, Navratri and Dussehra teach us to always choose good over evil.

-Pratibha Yadav