India is a land of cultural diversity where different festivals are celebrated with great pomp and joy. Dussehra is amongst them, which lasts for the ten long days. It signifies the triumph of good over evil. It is usually falls on the tenth day in the Hindu month of Ashwin, which comes in the month of September or October.

Dussehra or Vijayadashmi is one of the most popular festivals in the Hindu culture. On this day, Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana as he abducted his wife Sita. He fiercely fought the long battle in Lanka, and ultimately won.

Although, we’ve heard a lot about the Dussehra festival, but there are some interesting facts that you probably don’t know related to it. Let’s read them in detail:

1. Dussehra has been derived from the Sanskrit Word “Dash Hara”, which means defeat of the sun. As per the belief, if Lord Rama failed to defeat Ravana, the sun will never rise again.
   
2. It is also known as Vijayadashmi, which means victory on the tenth day. It marks the triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura (demon king).
   
3. Mahishasura was a powerful demon who used to torture the innocent lives. To put a stop to his wrong doings, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh collectively produced power.
   
4. The people of Mysore worships Goddess Chamundeshwari on the occasion of Dussehra.
   
5. Within the Northern parts of India, people sow Barley seeds in earthen pots on the first day of Navratri. These sprouts are symbolic of good fortune, and are put behind the ears during Dussehra.
   
6. Dussehra brings the seasonal change. It marks the end of the summer season and the beginning of the winters.
   
7. Dussehra is the time where farmers start harvesting Kharif crops, and sows Rabi crops. It is an important time in their lives.