Victory of Rama over Ravana; burning of Ravana effigy across India

Dussehra, from Dasha-hara — the removal of the ten — celebrates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka, on Ashwin Shukla Dashami. The Ramayana tells how Rama, with Lakshmana, Hanuman and the army of vanaras, crossed to Lanka to rescue Sita and, after a long battle, slew Ravana. Before the final combat Rama worshipped the Goddess, and so Dussehra follows the nine nights of Navratri. Across North India the Ram Lila, a staged retelling of the Ramayana performed over the preceding nights, culminates at dusk on Dussehra with the burning of towering effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghanada, filled with fireworks — the Ravan Dahan. The ten heads are often read as ten vices to be conquered within: lust, anger, greed, delusion, pride, envy, selfishness, injustice, cruelty and ego. Families worship the Shami tree and exchange its leaves as gold, and in many regions spotting the Neelkanth (Indian roller) bird on this day is considered a sign of good fortune. Famous celebrations include Delhi's Ram Lila Maidan, Kullu Dussehra in Himachal and the Bastar Dussehra of Chhattisgarh.

No fast is required; those who fasted through Navratri break their fast today.