The existence of Dussehra can be traced back to ancient times, and its roots are deeply embedded in Indian mythology, religion, and culture. The festival’s stories are celebrated in two major Hindu epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The history of Dussehra is significant in the Ramayana, as it marks Lord Rama’s victory over the Demon King Ravana as he saves his wife Sita and brings her back to Ayodhya. It is a battle fought for ten days, and the 10th day, also known as Vijayadashmi, marks Ravana's defeat by Lord Rama. This primary narrative illustrates that evil, no matter how powerful, ultimately succumbs to the forces of righteousness. As Lord Rama defeats Ravana, who represents the ego, immorality, and lust, Rama is believed to have restored the Dharma.

As per the Mahabharata, the Pandavas, during their exile, had hidden weapons in the Shami tree. It is believed that on Vijayadashmi, the Pandavas retrieved their weapons from the tree and worshipped them as they declared war against the Kauravas. The tree symbolises strength and readiness to fight for justice. 

Another legend associated with Dussehra is Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, as described in the Markandeya Purana. It is believed that Mahishasura was a powerful demon who could change forms and had unleashed terror amongst the heavens and earth. Unable to defeat him, the gods sought the help of the divine feminine power, manifested as Goddess Durga. It is believed that Goddess Durga, armed with weapons provided by the Gods, fought Mahishasura for nine days and nights and on the 10th day, she defeated him, marking the victory of good over evil. This victory signifies the power of the divine feminine as the beholder of victory of justice, truth, and righteousness over arrogance and oppression. The nine days leading to Dussehra are celebrated as Navratri and dedicated to God's worship as Durga. The significance of Dussehra is in its timeless message of the triumph of good over evil, justice over arrogance, and righteousness over oppression.

The dramatic reenactment of the Ramayana is also known as the Ramlila performances, which often start days or weeks before Dussehra and build up to the final day when the statues of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad are burned. Burning the statues of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad is one of the most iconic rituals synonymous with Dussehra. They are filled with firecrackers, and the destruction symbolises the end of evil and the triumph of righteousness. It is a ritual that is commonly seen across North India in states like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana to represent the district's destruction of evil traits like greatness, anger, and lust. 

States of eastern India celebrate Dussehra as the last day of Durga Puja. After nine days of elaborate worship of the idol of Goddess Durga, they submerge the idol along with her children, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Karthika, in rivers and lakes and is known as Visarjan, a ritual predominantly followed in Odisha, Assam, West Bengal, and parts of Bihar. It symbolises the cyclic nature of creation and destruction, strengthening the ideals of life's impermanence and the divine's eternal nature. 

In Southern India, predominantly in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Dussehra is celebrated with an Ayudha Puja. Weapons, vehicles, tools, and agricultural equipment are cleaned, decorated, worshipped on this day, and associated with Goddess Durga's worship. This puja is a part of the grand Mysore Dasara celebrations, a royal procession enhanced with cultural performances.

Vijayadashmi is considered an auspicious day for new beginnings in many regions. People perform unique pujas at homes and temples to seek blessings from their elders and mark the beginning of new ventures. Each of these rituals symbolises the destruction of evil and impurities.

The festival of Dussehra sees the country's landscape representing the festival's value and spirit through the traditional attire choices of men and women.

Women are seen wearing a saree during Dussehra. It symbolises grace and femininity and is worn in auspicious colours like red, yellow, and orange, symbolising energy, prosperity, and purity. Banarasi silk, Kanchipuram silk, and Muga silk sarees are popular choices. Several cotton sarees feature prevalent motifs like Bagru and Dabu block printing from Rajasthan. They feature designs inspired by mythology, nature, and local folklore. It remains a timeless garment and is now made in modern fabrics like georgette, chiffon, and silk, which help blend traditional aesthetics with modern sense.

Younger girls prefer wearing a lehenga choli with a dupatta. Lehenga choli worn during Dussehra is richly embroidered and designed with beads, sequins, and mirror work. Lehengas are usually made of silk, brocade, chiffon, georgette, and velvet, known for their soft and luxurious feel that adds a touch of royalty and novelty to one’s attire. The lehengas are adorned with traditional motifs, including floral patterns, paisley designs, and mythical creatures like elephants and peacocks representing prosperity, fertility, and divinity.

The kurta pyjama is the most commonly preferred attire for Indian men when it comes to festivals. It is a classic choice for men due to its simplicity and comfort. It finds its roots as a staple in men’s festive wardrobe. During Dussehra, men wear kurtas made of silk or cotton and decorated with traditional embroidery or block prints. Men also wear a richly embroidered Sherwanimade of luxurious fabrics like silk and brocade that add grandeur to the festival.

In states like West Bengal, men opt for the dhoti kurta. It is one of the oldest traditional garments synonymous with Indian culture and heritage, symbolising simplicity. The draping style varies depending on the region in which it is worn.

The designs and motifs preferred for Dussehra attire feature religious symbols such as lotus, which represents purity; Swastika, which symbolises good fortune; and Paisley patterns, which signify fertility and show the cyclic nature of life. These motifs are deeply rooted in the essence and spiritual beliefs that weave the stories of Dussehra.