Dussehra or Vijayadashami is the festival to celebrate the victory of good over evil. The day symbolises the victory of good over evil when Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura, the demon king. It is also said that this was the day when Lord Rama defeated Raavan.
This year Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami will be celebrated on October 25 as per the Gregorian calendar. However, in West Bengal and other eastern states, Vijaya Dashami shall be observed on October 26. The immersion or visarjan of the deities shall take place on this day.
As per the drikpanchang, the timings are as follows:
Aparahna Puja Time – 01:12 PM to 03:27 PM
Vijaya Muhurat – 1:57 PM to 2:42 PM
Dussehra commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the king of Lanka, Ravana, in the historic battle of Ramayana. Lord Rama defeated Ravana and rescued his wife Sita from his captivity. The word Dussehra comes from two Sanskrit words – ‘dasha’ that symbolises the ten heads of Ravana, and ‘hara’, which means ‘ to defeat’. Dussehra signifies the ‘triumph of good over evil’.
Shri Rama’s victory over Ravana is recreated annually on this day in several parts of the country, and this tradition is referred to as Ravana Dahan. Devotees flock to see burning giant effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnad (Indrajeet), and brother Kumbhakarna. An artist dressed as Lord Rama holds a bow and fires arrows at the effigies to burn them into ashes. This ritual symbolises the destruction of evil.