Dussehra: Ten things you should know about the festival

Vijayadashami or Dussehra, actually marks two celebrations in India, first the victory of Rama over Ravana, and the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura

Here are the 10 important things that we should know about the Vijayadashami:

1. On this very day Lord Rama has defeated Ravana after nine days of battle. It is also known as Dussehra, a Sanskrit word which means 'The sun will not rise'. There is a mythological belief that the sun would not have risen had Rama not defeated Ravana.

2.  Indians burn Ravana effigies on Dussehra. Burning of the effigy of Ravana is also symbolic of the cleansing of one’s soul of sin. These 10 head represents 10 bad qualities, such as Ahankara (Ego), Amanavta (Cruelty), Anyaaya (Injustice), Kama vasana (Lust), Krodha (Anger), Lobha (Greed), Mada (Over Pride), Matsara (Jealousy), Moha,(Attachment) and Swartha (Selfishness)

3. Vijayadashami originates from the combination of two words: Vijaya (meaning victory in Sanskrit) and dashami (the 10th day of the lunar calendar). It signifies the day that Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura.

4. Vijayadashami is the last day of Durga Puja. Durga Puja, which marks the annual visit of goddess Durga to her father's place with her children Karthika and Ganesha. On Dashami, she returns to home to her husband,

5. This day also marks a shift in season. After summer and monsoons, it marks the onset of winter. Farmers also harvest the kharif crop after Dussehra.

6. Usually all the former Prime Ministers used celebrate Vijayadashami at Ramleela Maidan of Delhi. But this is the first time when an Indian PM is not present at Ramleela maidan, where effigy of Ravana burns every year.

7. Buddhists people celebrate this day as Ashok Vijayadashami, as it is believed that Mauryan King Ashoka was converted to buddhism on this day. It’s also the day that Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in 1956, which fell on 14 October that year.

8.  It is said that the first grand celebration of Dussehra took place at some time in the 17th century at eth behest of the King of Mysore. It was from then onwards that this festival has been celebrated around India with great energy and enthusiasm.

9. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS) celeberate its foundation day on Vijayadashami. As on this very day the first meeting of RSS took place at Nagpur in 1925.

10. Vijayadashami or Dussehra is not only celebrated in India. It is also celebrated in neighbouring countries of Nepal and Bangladesh. It’s a religious holiday in Malaysia too.