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Dussehra
 Dussehra is a major Indian festival, and "Vijayadashmi" is another name that describes it. Dussehra has forever been among the fascinating Indian festivals, and its celebration observes enormous joy and enthusiasm. The joyous atmosphere spreads across India for ten continuous days during the celebration of Dussehra. Basically, the festival marks the end of the nine days of Navratri, and denotes the last, the tenth day. The first nine have been kept intact to worship the goddess Durga, thus Navaratri has been the term behind naming it. The tenth day in the month of Ashwin (Sep - Oct) is called Dussehra day, and honours Durga Devi.
Dussehra comprises colossal mythological significance, and is celebrated across India with great fervour. If the holy book of Ramayana is to be taken in account, then the Lord Ram performed Chandi-Puja to seek the blessings of Durga to kill Ravana (the ten-headed king of Lanka) who had forcibly abducted Sita Mata. It’s also believed by the firm Hindus that Durga revealed the secret to Ram, and the lord thus annihilated Ravana to set her wife free. The lord Ram thus proceeded to Ayodhya along with Sita and Laxman among intense celebrations.
Dussehra stands for “slashing the ten heads of Ravana”, as the devotees perform the head-cutting of the Lankan demon among loud uproar and celebrations. A folk play, the 'Ramleela', takes place across India to bring out the story of the Lord Rama for the nine days of Navratri. All the ceremonies of Navaratri conclude on Dussera, and marks the day when the Rama against slays Ravana.
Singing, dancing, new clothing and mass gatherings mark Dussehra, and ultimately the effigies of Ravana are set ablaze. The last day stands for the victory of good over evil, and thus prompts the Indians to follow the path of peace and love.
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