Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, Dasara or Dashain, or Mohani, is a major Hindu festival celebrated at the end of Navaratri every year.
Vijayadashami is observed for different reasons and is celebrated mainly in Nepal and India. Southern, eastern, northeastern, and some northern states of India, Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja, remembering goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura to restore and protect dharma. In these regions, it marks the end of Ramlila and remembers God Rama’s victory over Ravana. On the same occasion, Arjuna alone decimated more than 1,000,000 soldiers. It defeated all Kuru warriors, including Bhishma, Drona, Ashwatthama, Karna, and Kripa, a significant example of the victory of good (Dharma) over evil (Adharma). Vijayadashami celebrations include processions to a river or oceanfront involving clay statues of Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, accompanied by music and chants, after which the images are immersed in the water for dissolution and farewell. The festival also starts the preparations for Diwali, the important festival of lights, celebrated twenty days after Vijayadashami.