India, Oct. 7 -- Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated in various forms across the world. It has a deep spiritual significance as it marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasur. On this day, people also burn effigies of Ravana, who, according to Hindu mythology, was the demon king of Lanka. The myth goes that Ravana had abducted Sita, the consort of Lord Rama. Supported by an army of monkeys, Rama defeated Ravana and rescued Sita. The killing of Ravana by Rama is hence celebrated.

Dussehra stands for dus (ten) + hara (conquer). Ravana is known to be a demon with ten heads to symbolise the conquest of ten vices, of which five are in men and five in women. The five v...