On the day of Dussehra or Dashami, Rama, the king and hero of the great Hindu Epic, Ramayana, killed the unrighteous Ravana, the 10-headed demon king of Lanka. According to the great Hindus great epics, the Ramayana, Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Sri Lanka, had abducted Seeta, wife of Lord Rama. To rescues his wife Lord Rama had build an army of monkeys.

After that Lord Rama and his army fought an enormous battle that lasted 10 days. Rama, who was a devout believer of Durga, the Goddess of War, prayed to her for the first nine days of battle and killed the evil Ravana on the 10th day. Lord Rama shot demon Ravana with a bow that pierced his navel. Rama also slew Ravana’s brother Kumbhkarna and Lakshmana killed Ravana’s son, Meghnath. The day of killing demon Ravan is celebrated as Dussehra.

Dussehra or Dasara 2012 in India: Traditionally, Dussehra is a Hindu festival and declared as a Central Government Holiday or Gazetted Holiday in India. Current year this festival will be celebrated on 24th October 2012. This festival less or more celebrates in all the states and Union Territories of India. Celebration Day: Wednesday, 24/10/2012...

The festivals Dussehra is considered a most auspicious day and people belief that if any new venture is started on this day, it is bound to be successful. Hence, all the foundation of a new building, opening of a new commercial establishment or even initiating a child into the world of learning- is started on this day. Also on this day implements of agriculture, manufacturer's machines etc.

Dussehra falling on the last day of Navaratri or Durga puja arrives in the month of October. Dussehra literally means that which takes away ten sins. This Hindu festival is celebrated all over India to mark the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. Dussehra symbolises the triumph of good over evil. The "Ramlila" - a performing of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day, larger than life effigies of Ravana, his son and brother -Meghnath and Kumbhakarna, are set alight.

Ram Lila is generally held in the evenings, and year after year, people flock in huge numbers to watch the story unfold, yet once again. In ancient times when it was considered demeaning for women to go up on stage, men performed the female roles. This still happens in most parts of India. Needless to say, the most effeminate and ‘beautiful’ boy is handpicked to perform the role of Sita.

The most celebrated Ram Lila is held in Old Delhi around the Red Fort. People acts over on the character of Ramayana (great epics of Hinduism). The more important actors and actresses for this Ram Lila come from a small town in Uttar Pradesh called Moradabad.

The man who plays Rama has been doing so for the past 15 years or so. The organizers of the Rama Lila host his stay and he describes this experience as an essentially purifying one. He is expected to remain celibate, abstain from smoking and drinking and other such practices for the month that he spends in Old Delhi. He is subject to such veneration and awe by people that when he walks in the streets, people come out of their homes to touch his feet.

This festival is so importance that it is almost a ritual for the Prime Minister or the President of India to attend it. After the Ram Lila and the burning of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnath, the stars of the night – Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are taken around in a huge chariot. Crowds of people shouting Jai Shri Ram (Victory to Rama) join the procession.

In West Bengal, Dussehra is celebrated as Bijoya Dashami. According to Hinduism, Goddess Durga goes back to her abode from the earth on this day.

In Gujarat, the energetic Navaratri celebrations include dancing the lively Garba Dandiya Rass dances.

In Himachal Pradesh, a week -long fair in the hill town of Kullu, is a part of the Dussehra celebrations.

Mysore, the city of palaces in Karnataka celebrates the tenth day Dussehra in a royal style. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with a myriad lights. Majestic processions, a torch light parade and dance and musical events enliven the tranquil city.