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Dussehra is one of the most important and celebrated festival of India. Dussehra glorifies the victory of the power of good over evil. On this day, Maa Durga had killed Mahishasur, Lord Rama had killed Ravan and Pandavas had defeated the Kauravs.
The word dus means ten and hara means defeat. As Ravana was the owner of ten heads, this day means the defeat of Ravana. Dussehra falls on the tenth day of Ashvina month of Sukhla Paksha. This day also marks the beginning of preparations for Diwali, the festival of lights which falls after 20 days. According to Hindu Mythology, Ravana abducted Sita which led to a war between Rama and Ravana. Ravana because of his hard penance received a boon from Bramha that he cannot be killed by gods, demons or spirits. In the final battle, Rama followed Ravana while being on his chariot and fired golden arrows which turned into vipers as they reached Ravana. The arrows cut off Ravana's head but they grew back again each time because of his boon. Rama then shot a divine arrow which had the power of gods in it, which pierced Ravana's heart and killed him.
In India, people make giant size paperboard effigies of three demons: Ravana, Meghananda and Kumbhkarna. The effigies are filled with explosives and fire crackers. A person dressed up as Lord Rama shoots the effigies to burn them down. This event is called "Ravana Dahan/Ravana Poda". This is done on an open field where thousands of spectator enjoy this. On this day, along with burning of Ravana, a fair(mela) is also arranged. People roam, shop, eat and enjoy among themselves. In some places "Ram-Leela" is also arranged. Ramleela means the re-enactment of entire Ramayan on a stage.
Dussehra is celebrated by Indians with much enthusiasm, pomp and zeal which strengthens the belief of light over dark, truth over lies and good over evil.
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