Vijayadashami, also commonly known as Dussehra, is a major Hindu festival celebrating Lord Rama’s victory over the Lankan demon king Ravana, according to the ancient epic Ramayana. Dussehra, marking the end 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 changes every year, this event falls in either September or October. Last year Dussehra was widely celebrated on October 5 and in 2023 it will fall on October 24 after 19 days. The Ramayana is one of the most beloved epics of Hinduism and has had a profound influence on the religion. The Ramayana describes the journey of Lord Rama as he exiles his wife, Sita, and brother Lakshmana in the jungles of ancient India. The Ramayana describes the war with Lanka and Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after the abduction of Sita by the demon king Ravana. On Dasara, Rama’s victory 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.
