Festivals- Dassera

The 10th day which immediately follows the Navratri festival is known as Vijaya Dasmi or Dassera. This day is of immense mythological significance.

* A Victory of Rama over Ravana

As per the Ramayana, Ram did "chandi-puja" to invoke the blessings of Durga to kill Ravana. Ravana the 10 headed demon had abducted Lord Rama's wife to his capital city of Lanka. Lord Ram with the help of his brother Laxman and Hanuman, rescued Sita from Lanka. Dassera marks the triumph of Lord Ram's victory. After vanquishing him, Ram with Seeta and Laxman returned victorious to his kingdom of Ayodhya on Dassera day.

* Victory of Durga over Mahisura

Another story tells this day as a celebration of the victory of Durga over the demon Mahishasura. This is how she came about. The gods in heaven decided to create an all-powerful being to kill the demon king Mahishasur who was ready to attack them. With a stream of lightning from the mouths of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh a beautiful, magnificent woman with ten hands was created. Then all the gods furnished her with their special weapons. She then destroyed King Mahishasur. The image of Durga, the Eternal Mother destroying the demon, Mahishasur on Chamundi Hills near Mysore is symbolic of the final confrontation of the spiritual urge of man with his baser passions.

* Ram Leela

In all parts of India "Ram Leela" is performed which are the stories from the Ramayana. These stories are about Hanuman and his burning tail, Ravana's abduction of Sita, Ram's victory over Ravana and the rescue of Sita by Hanuman and the monkeys.

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