Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday extended heartfelt greetings to the people on the occasion of Dussehra, also known as Vijaya Dashami, which symbolises the triumph of good over evil, righteousness over unrighteousness and justice over injustice.

Taking to his X handle, Majhi wrote, “Heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all on the grand festival of the victory of truth over falsehood, righteousness over unrighteousness, and justice over injustice—the sacred ‘Vijaya Dashami’ also known as ‘Dussehra’.”

Vijaya Dashami is one of the most significant festivals in Hindu tradition, celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The occasion symbolises the triumph of divine power over evil and highlights the strength of faith, devotion, courage and righteousness.

According to Hindu mythology, the gods were distressed by the tyranny of Mahishasura, whose arrogance and oppression threatened the balance of righteousness. Goddess Durga emerged from the combined energies of the gods and fought a fierce battle against the demon. Her victory restored the triumph of dharma and established her as a symbol of feminine power, courage and protection.

The festival also carries a broader message of upholding justice, compassion and human values. Goddess Durga is revered as the embodiment of strength, courage, kindness and maternal affection, with her various forms conveying distinct spiritual messages to devotees.

Meanwhile, Mahanavami celebrations continued at several Durga Puja pandals across Odisha on Tuesday, with devotees thronging pandals and temples to offer prayers and participate in special rituals. Long queues of vehicles were also seen near several religious sites as people gathered for the festive observances.

The celebration of Mahanavami and Vijaya Dashami has varied according to the timings prescribed in different traditional almanacs, or panjikas. According to the daily panchang cited for the occasion, the Dashami tithi is scheduled to begin after 12.50 pm. Devotees following the Jagannath Panjika, one of the traditional Odia almanacs, are observing the day as Mahanavami.

The festival is marked by prayers, rituals and community celebrations, bringing together people in a shared expression of devotion and reinforcing the enduring message that truth and righteousness ultimately prevail over evil.