Dussehra (Vijayadashami) · Dussehra, Vijayadashami

Culture of origin: Hindu · Cultural

Holiday sources: Hinduism

Vijayadashami, "the tenth day of victory", ends Navaratri. In the northern, central and western states it closes the Ramlila, the staging of the Ramayana over the nine days before, and towering effigies of the demons Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are burnt with fireworks in the evening. In the east it ends Durga Puja, and the images of the Goddess are carried in procession and immersed. In the south temples and forts are lit up, as at Mysore. Drik Panchang sets its rituals in the afternoon (aparahna), and in some years gives Bengal a day later.