According to the Hindu calendar, Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashwin, exactly 20 days before Diwali. The day of Dussehra is considered one of the holiest days of the year. Dussehra is one of the most popular festivals of Hindus, celebrated for 10 days. The festival of Dussehra marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon Ravana. The word Dussehra in Sanskrit means freedom from 10 evils. This day is auspicious for starting any new work, according to religious beliefs, on this day Maa Durga killed Mahishasura, hence it is also celebrated as Vijaya Dashami.
On this day, by worshiping Lord Shri Ram, Durgaji, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh and Hanuman ji, auspiciousness is wished for everyone. For the fulfillment of all wishes, it is considered auspicious to recite Ramayana, Shri Ram Raksha Strot, Sunderkand etc. on Vijayadashami.
This festival tells the story of Lord Shri Ram, who killed the arrogant Ravana after a continuous 9-day war in Lanka and freed Mother Sita from her captivity. On the other hand, on this day Maa Durga also killed Mahishasura, hence it is also celebrated as Vijayadashami and Maa Durga is also worshipped. It is believed that Lord Shri Ram also invoked Shakti by worshiping Maa Durga, taking the test of Lord Shri Ram, one of the lotus flowers kept for worship disappeared.
Since Shri Ram was called Rajivanayan i.e. the one with lotus eyes, he decided to offer one of his eyes to the mother. As soon as he started taking out his eye, the goddess appeared before him and gave him the boon of victory. It is believed that after this, Lord Shri Ram killed Ravana on the day of Dashami. This festival of Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Mother Durga's victory over Mahishasura is celebrated across the country as the victory of good over evil and righteousness over unrighteousness.
