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Dasara (Dussehra) is one of the popular and enthralling festivals of India celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. This festival is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil and victory of gods over demons. Dusserah (Dasara) literally means the tenth day. It marks the end of the nine days of Navaratri. The first nine nights are spent in the worship of goddess Durga and hence these nights are known as Navaratri. This festival falls in the month of Ashwin (Sep - Oct) according to Hindu calendar. The tenth day of the Dusserah is celebrated in honor of Goddess Durga Devi. It is also known as "Vijayadashami".

VijayaDashami is considered to be an auspicious day for the Indian householder, on which he worships, protects and preserves 'Shakti' (power). According to Scriptures, by worshipping the 'Shakti' on these nine-days the householders attain the threefold power i.e. physical, mental and spiritual, which helps him to progress in life without any difficulty.

The 'Ramlila' - an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day (Dussehra or Vijay Dasami), larger than life effigies of Ravana, his son and brother - Meghnadh and Kumbhakarna are set to fire.

The theatrical enactment of this dramatic encounter is held throughout the country in which every section of people participates enthusiastically.

In burning the effigies the people are asked to burn the evil within them, and thus follow the path of truth and goodness, bearing in mind the instance of Ravana, who despite all his might and majesty was destroyed for his evil ways.

If you ever get a chance to be in India during Dasara don't miss this fascinating festival.