Dussehra, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is one of the most celebrated Hindu festival of India. After celebrating nine-day festival of Durga Navratri, Dasara is celebrated. After the nine day-fight against Mahishasura, Goddess Chamundi ( one of the forms of Goddess Shakti), has demolished him on the tenth day. The nine days are celebrated as Navratri and the tenth day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami.

When is Dussehra in 2008?
Usually, Dasara (Vijaya Dashami) is celebrated on the day of Aswayuja Shukla Dashami ( The tenth day of the first half of the hindu month – Aswayuja). In 2008, Dassara is celebrated on 9th October, Thursday.

Legends :
According to Puranas, the eighth incarnation of Sri Maha Vishnu – Sri Rama Chandra, King of Ayodhya, killed the great demon and the king of Lanka, Ravanasura. They fought for nine days and on the tenth day Lord Sri Ram has defeated and killed the demon king Ravana. Because of that reason, the tenth day after Navratri is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra).

And, one more legend is very known one to all of us. Goddess Durga has demolished the buffalo demon Mahishasura on the tenth day after nine day-fight.

Dasara – Most Auspicious Social Event in India :
Dassara is also popular as a great social event in India. People believe that starting any type of study or business gives them prosperity. On the day of Dussehra, people meet and wish each other for peace and prosperity.

Vijaya Dashami Celebrations In India :
From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India has various cultures and traditions. From region to region, the forms of Dussehra celebrations may vary widely. But the ultimate aim or purpose of all celebrations is to worship and to please Goddess Durga.

Rituals of Dussehra :
On Dasara, people decorate their homes and worship the idol of Durga with utmost devotion. They pray to the Goddess for peace and prosperity in their families. People worship Goddess Durga for the nine days during Navratri and on tenth day i.e. on Dasara, devotees immerse the idol in water (lake or pond).

The immersion of Goddess Durga’s idol has significant social implications. Devotees make a procession from Durga mandaps, where the idol is established. This procession goes on the streets and ends with the immersion of the idol of the Goddess.

Ravanasura Vadha – A Tradition of Dasara :
Throughout India, one common tradition of Dasara is ‘Ravanasura Vadha’ or ‘Mahishasura Vadha’. Devotees prepare the idol or statue of Ravana / Mahishasura. In the evening on the day of Dasara, they keep some crackers on that statue and set fire to that idol. A large number of people gather to see the blasting of the demon’s idol.