Vijayadashami, also commonly known as Dussehra, is a major Hindu festival celebrating the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, according to the ancient epic Ramayana. Dussehra, which marks the conclusion of the nine-day festival called Navratri, is celebrated on the 10th day of the Ashwin month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar. Although this means that the date varies every year, the occasion falls in either September or October. Last year, Dussehra was celebrated on a large scale on October 5 and in the year 2023, it is falling 19 days later on October 24. The Ramayana is one of the most beloved epics in Hinduism and has deeply influenced the religion. The Ramayana describes the journey of Lord Rama as he is exiled in the forests of ancient India with his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshmana. The Ramayana describes the war with Lanka and the eventual return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after the abduction of Sita by the demon king Ravana. On Dussehra, the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana is celebrated, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya and coronation as king is celebrated on Diwali, the festival of lights.
