Dussehra, celebrated on the 10th day of the bright half of the lunar month of Ashwin, symbolizes the victory of righteousness and truth. It serves as a reminder that, no matter how powerful evil may seem, it will eventually be vanquished by the forces of good. The burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna during the festivities is a symbolic representation of the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness).
