Vijaya Dashami 2021: 9 amazing facts about India's big festival

Here we bring you some amazing facts about Dusshera you just might not know.

The term ‘Dussehra’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Dash Hara,’ which means ‘the defeat of the Sun’ in English. Credit: PTI Images

On Dusshera, people burn effigies of Ravana. And, it is believed that the burning of Ravana effigy signifies the killing of all evils of the soul. Along with Ravana, people also burn the effigies of Kumbhkarna and Meghanad as they took his side. Credit: AFP Photo

Not many know that Dr. BR Ambedkar quit Hindusim to embrace Buddhism on the eve of Dusshera. Credit: PTI Photo

Reportedly, Dusshera was celebrated for the very first time in the 17th century in the Mysore Palace at the orders of then King. Credit: Nesara Kadanakuppe

Mysuru hosts India's famous Dussehra and people in Mysuru worship the Goddess Chamundeshwari on this day. All the temples are decorated in Mysuru with colourful flowers and lights. Credit: DH PV Photo

Dussehra also marks the beginning of the winter season. Credit: PTI Photo

Apart from India, Dussehra is also celebrated in Bangladesh, Nepal and Malaysia in full fervor. Credit: Reuters Photo

According to Hindu scriptures, the homecoming of Pandavas from their exile of 13 years was started on Dussehra. Credit: Soorya V Narayana

Dusshera marks the end of Navratri festival. Credit: PTI Photo