Dussehra - Vijayadashami The Festival of Good Over Bad

 Dussehra is a big and happy festival that many people celebrate in India. It's all about good things beating bad things, and it's based on some fun stories from long ago.

Why We Celebrate Dussehra:

Lord Rama's Win: A while back, there was a prince named Lord Rama. He was very kind and clever. Lord Rama had to fight a bad king called Ravana. Ravana was very strong and unkind. He even took Lord Rama's wife, Sita. After a tough fight, Lord Rama won and saved Sita. So, Dussehra is the day when Lord Rama beat Ravana, which means good things win over bad things.

Goddess Durga's Brave Fight: In some places in India, Dussehra is also to say thanks to the goddess Durga. She's a strong goddess called Mahishasura. She fought for nine days and nights and finally won. So, Dussehra is a way to remember how brave she was.

End of Navratri: Dussehra happens after a nine-day party called Navratri. During Navratri, people pray, dance, and have lots of fun. Dussehra is the last day of this happy time.

Puja of Tools/business: On Dussehra, some people also say thanks to their tools and things they use for work.  

How We Celebrate Dussehra:

1. Ramlila Plays: In many places, people watch plays called "Ramlila." These shows tell the story of Lord Rama and his fight with Ravana. People enjoy watching these shows.
2. Big Bonfire with model of ravana: In the evening, people make a big bonfire and burn a big model of Ravana. It's like saying, "Go away, bad things!"
3. Going to Temples: People go to temples to pray to God. They ask for blessings and say thank you to God for all the good stuff in their lives.
4. Sharing Sweets: People give each other gifts and sweets to have fun together and celebrate the happiness.
5. Cleaning and Decorating: Some folks clean and decorate their homes. It's like making their homes look nice and saying, "Welcome, happiness!"
6. Apti Leaves :  "Apti" or "Son" (which sounds like "gold"). People exchange these leaves along with good wishes. When they say, "Son ghya, happy Dussehra," it means "Take these golden leaves, and have a happy Dussehra!" It's a way of sharing good wishes and blessings with friends and family during the festival.

Dussehra is a day to party and be happy. It reminds us that good things are stronger than bad things, no matter how tough the bad things might seem. It's a time to have fun, be kind, and share with each other.