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Vijayadashami (Dussehra)
Festival Significance
Vijayadashami (Dussehra) celebrates Lord Rama's victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana, and Goddess Durga's triumph over Mahishasura. It marks the victory of good over evil and is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar.
Rituals
Perform Shami Puja and Aparajita Puja during Vijay Muhurat. Worship weapons (Shastra Puja). Burn effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna. Exchange Shami leaves (sona) as gold.
In Varanasi
Varanasi's Ramnagar Ramlila — the world's oldest and most authentic — culminates on Dussehra with the grand burning of Ravana's effigy at Ramnagar Fort. Thousands gather at the fort grounds. Across the river in the old city, multiple Ramlila committees organize their own celebrations.