Dasara is a major Hindu festival celebrated in various parts of India, marking the victory of good over evil. It usually falls in September or October and lasts for ten days, culminating in Vijaya Dashami. The festival commemorates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the power of righteousness.
During Dasara, people engage in various cultural activities, including traditional dances, music, and dramatic performances. In many regions, large effigies of Ravana, the demon king from the epic Ramayana, are burned to signify the defeat of evil. The festival also includes family gatherings, feasting, and the exchange of gifts.