Ravana Dahan happens in almost all parts of the country. Tall Ravanas are burnt - symbolising the end of evil by good. Firecrackers that are filled in the Ravana illuminate the night sky and this part is really enjoyed by the children. The last part of Ramlila also gets staged before the burning of the king of Lanka. This day also marks the end of Durga Puja or the day that Ma Durga returns to her heavenly abode.

A number of myths are attached with this day. Some believe that this was the day when Mother Goddess destroyed the evil Mahisasur. There are some who believe that when Sati committed suicide learning that her father in order to insult her husband Shiva had not invited him to a Yagya he performed, Shiva became mad with fury and danced with Sati on her shoulder. In the next birth, however, Sati took birth as Ma Durga, and every year at autumn Mother comes down to Earth with her children to visit her maternal place. Vijaydashami is the day when she goes back to Shiv’s abode. On this day the Pandavas also came back from Agyatwas. Thus, a number of fables go with this day.

While in Bengal the day is celebrated with Ma Durga’s visharjan and then visiting each others' house for sweets. In UP, and Bihar Ramlila and Ravana Dahan is the main occasion. Although Dashain is celebrated for 15 days in Nepal yet on the final day everyone takes tika and jamara from elders, and receive their blessing. The importance of Dasain also lies in the fact that on this day family members from far off and distant relatives come for a visit as well as to receive tikka from the head of the family. This function continues for four days. Celebrations and festivals mark this time of year, and while things have changed with time, yet Dussera holds its charm in Ravana Dahan, Garba and Vijaydashami.