October is the month of Hindu festival Dussehra and was celebrated with much fervour and zeal.

Dussehra denotes victory of good over evil and there are two stories that are associated with the festival in Hindu mythology. It is said that it was on this day that goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura after a fierce battle lasting for more than nine days. In many parts of the country, it is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama over ten-headed demon king of Lanka, Ravana.

Dussehra is celebrated with much fanfare and Ram Lila (Lila meaning play), an enactment of Lord Rama’s story, is organized for nine days culminating with the killing of Ravana and burning of his life-size effigy on the day of Dussehra. Dusshehra also signifies getting rid of bad qualities as each head of the Ravana symbolizes one bad quality.

Dussehra for many means beginning preparation for Diwali – the day when Lord Rama reached Ayodhya with Devi Sita. If you are not familiar with the story that lead up to Lord Rama’s fight with Ravana is that, in his absence, Devi Sita was abducted by Ravana and taken to Lanka (present day Srilanka).