Navarathri & vijayadasami- A legend
It is celebrated in the month of Aswin (October). The legend of vijayadashami is related to the Ramayana. Ravana, the Asura King (Demon) abducted Sita , wife of Sree Rama to Lanka, his kingdom. Rama, his brother Lakshmana and the army of monkeys fought against Ravana's powerful army. With the blessing of Goddess Durga, Rama defeated Ravana and rescued Sita..The day on which the battle was won is celebrated as Vijayadasami. Vijayadasami is celebrated on the tenth day after the nine days of penance. Special worships especially with music recitals are offered during these days. The rituals of ten days are intended to get rid of the ten bad qualities represented by Ravana's heads relating to Kamam(lust) , Krodham(anger), Moham(delution), Lobham(greed), Madam (haughtiness/overpride), Malsaram(jealousy), Manam(mind), Budhi(intellect), Chitham(will) and Ahamkaram(ego). 
Another legend is related to an incident related to Devibhagavatham. Mahishasura, the Asura King(demon), very powerful with a well-equipped army fought against Gods. He often threatened to capture The Heaven. No one could worship God, nor rituals or prayers could be performed on earth. The earth was crushed under his tyranny. A virgin was created with the energy taken from Lord Brahma,the lord of Srishti (creation or generation), Lord Vishnu, the lord of Sthithi(Operation) and Lord Siva , the lord of samhara (destruction). She was called Durga. Riding on the lion who assisted her, she defeated Mahishasura after the battle of nine days and nine nights. The penance of nine days called Navarathri and the celebration of the tenth day called Vijayadasami is in memory of the success of Durga. Whatever the legend may be , it is clear that Vijayadasami is celebrated after the success of virtue on the evil. Weapons, instruments, tools, books pen,vehicles and all such things are worshiped as God on the ninth day called Mahanavami. Complete rest from work is observed on that day. Tools and instruments including books and pens are decorated and worshiped on that day. It is honoring the tools that help one earn one's livelihood . It is believed that any venture started on Vijayadasami is bound to be a great success.
The message of Vijayadasami is to defeat all evil thoughts that may otherwise defeat us ,and start a new life with a fresh mind.
More Images
