Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi. Vijay refers to victory and Dashami refers to tenth. This popular Hindu festival, celebrated at the end of Navratri each year, signifies the victory of good over evil. The word Dussehra is derived from the Sanskrit words “dasha” and “hara” which mean “ten” and “defeat” respectively. Dussehra is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Ashvin, which falls in the Gregorian months of September or October. Dussehra marks the end of Durga Puja, where goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasur to help restore Dharma. Alongside, the festival also marks victory of Lord Rama against Ravana.
Dusshera is celebrated in different ways in different parts of India. In West Bengal, Durga Puja celebrations begin on Sashti or sixth day of Navratri and continues till Vijayadashmi – when idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water bodies.
