Dusserah is observed round the country to celebrate the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. This festival marks the triumph of truth over falsehood and self conceit.

Rama was on a fourteen years exile along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. One day Ravana, in the absence of both Rama and Lakshamna , disguised as a hermit deceived Sita and abducted her. When Rama and Lakshmana returned and found Sita gone, they were determined to rescue her.

During their preparations they made an alliance with Sugriva, the monkey king. The monkey general, Hanuman (also the 11th incarnation of Lord Shiva), helped Rama to find Sita and attack Lanka. In the ensuing battle, Ravana was killed and Sita was rescued. Dusserah is ever since celebrated to commemorate Rama's victory over Ravana.

On this day a month while depiction of Rama-lila (a stage show portraying the story of Ramayana) comes to an end with the climax showing the defeat and subsequent death of Ravana. People worship Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshamana. During the evening, effigies of Ravana, his son Meghanath and his brother Kumbhakarana are burned at public places and people dance about to celebrate the occasion.

Continue with Other Hindu festivals.....