Dussehra, also known as Dasara or Vijayadashami, in Hinduism, is a holiday marking the triumph of Rama over the 10-headed demon king Ravana, who abducted Rama’s wife, Sita. This festival represents the triumph of the power of good over the power of evil. It was the day of Vijayadashami when Goddess Durga eliminated the gruesome demon Mahishasura from the earth. The festival’s name is derived from the Sanskrit words Dasha (“ten”) and Hara (“defeat”) or Vijaya (“victory”) and Dashmi (“tenth day”).

Celebrated in various ways, this festival serves as a reminder that good deeds will always triumph over bad deeds. Celebrating this victory signifies the role appreciation plays to encourage such goodness among those who are choosing to carry out the good deeds. Worshipping different incarnations of Shakti or Durga incites us to learn to change with different circumstances, and continue to evoke the energy of bravery and goodness within ourselves. Rama’s triumph and Ravana’s defeat symbolize the importance of perseverance and the value of remaining grounded and humble when we make mistakes or are challenged.

The reason behind celebrating Dussehra instils people with the hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Although many don't fight battles on fields with evil forces, letting goodness prevail paves the way for a happy and fulfilling life.