Dussehra
Also known as: Vijayadashami
The tenth day of victory — Rama over Ravana, Durga over Mahishasura.
Why is Dussehra celebrated?
Vijayadashami — "the victory tenth" — is the conclusion both great Navratri stories reach at once: Rama defeats the ten-headed Ravana, and Durga slays Mahishasura. It is celebrated as the day good visibly, publicly wins — which is why its rituals happen in open grounds, before everyone, rather than at home altars.
The story behind Dussehra
Rama, with Hanuman’s army, crossed to Lanka to free Sita. On this day he loosed the arrow that killed Ravana — whose ten heads stand for ten vices. In the Mahabharata, this is also the day the Pandavas retrieved their hidden weapons from the shami tree and ended their exile, so the day is auspicious for beginning ventures and honouring one’s tools.
How Dussehra is celebrated
Towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad burn at dusk, packed with fireworks, after weeks of Ramlila performances. Families perform ayudha puja — honouring tools, vehicles and instruments — and many start new learning on this day (vidyarambham for children in Kerala).
Dussehra across India
Mysuru’s Dasara procession with the decorated elephant Ambari is royal pageantry; Kullu Dussehra begins when others end, with village deities gathering; Bengal immerses Durga on this day with Sindoor Khela; the North burns its Ravanas.
Dussehra in housing societies
Societies host Ravana Dahan in the open ground — an effigy, a small mela of food stalls, and a safety perimeter that takes real organising. Committees use the day to close the Navratri drive: totals announced, expenses shown, balance carried forward — a one-link Zenia ledger makes that announcement instant.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Ravana’s effigy burned on Dussehra?
The burning re-enacts Rama’s victory. Ravana’s ten heads are read as ten vices — anger, greed, ego and so on — so the fire is also a resolution to burn one’s own faults.
Is Dussehra the same as Vijayadashami?
Yes — Dussehra (from dasha-hara, "removing the ten") and Vijayadashami ("the victory tenth") are two names for the same day, the tenth after Navratri begins.
What is ayudha puja?
The worship of one’s tools of livelihood on Dussehra — machines, vehicles, books, instruments — thanking them and seeking a good year of work.