Dushera is one of the most important festivals of the Hindus. It is celebrated for nine days and hence also known as Navratra. Navratra festivities begin on the first night of the month of Aswin.
It is celebrated in the honour of Goddess Durga. The nine nights are observed as occasions of fasting and prayer in honour of Durga. Navratra is also known as Durga puja. The goddess is worshipped in her nine warlike manifestations.
On the last day is celebrated Vijay Dashmi. One legend behind Vijay Dashmi is that Lord Rama killed Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran on this day and it is said that evils are defeated this day.
All across the country effigies of Ravana and his brothers are burnt on the Vijay Dashmi. Durga puja is the most popular festival of West Bengal.