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Festival Profile

Dussehra

Victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, marking the triumph of good over evil.

All festivals

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, and of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

Stories behind the festival

The origin lies in the Ramayana account of Rama's victory over Ravana and the Devi Mahatmya account of Durga's victory over Mahishasura.

In the Ramayana, Lord Rama slew Ravana on this day, rescuing Goddess Sita after a long exile and war. The day also marks Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura on Vijayadashami.
Valmiki Ramayana; Devi Mahatmya

Why we celebrate

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, and of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil.
Valmiki Ramayana; Devi Mahatmya

When

Dussehra falls on the tenth day (Dashami) of the bright fortnight of Ashwin, at the end of Navaratri (September–October).

Who celebrates / for whom

Celebrated across India and by Hindus worldwide, with regional forms such as burning effigies of Ravana in the north and the culmination of Durga Puja in Bengal.

Origin

The origin lies in the Ramayana account of Rama's victory over Ravana and the Devi Mahatmya account of Durga's victory over Mahishasura.
Valmiki Ramayana; Devi Mahatmya

Key deities

Lord Rama, and Goddess Durga in the eastern tradition.

How to celebrate

Offer prayers, attend Ramlila performances, burn effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad (in the north), and celebrate with sweets and greetings.

Rituals & offerings

Aprajita puja, burning of Ravana effigies, and in eastern India the immersion of Durga idols after worship.

Key facts

Dussehra is also called Vijayadashami, meaning victory on the tenth day. It marks the end of Navaratri and the beginning of preparations for Diwali.
Valmiki Ramayana; Devi Mahatmya