In some communities, it is accompanied by a Rama Leela, after which statues of Ravana are burned, while others celebrate this festival in honor of the victory of Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
In some regions, this festival is associated with the worship of a shami tree, and historically that ritual was frequently accompanied by a mock battle where a king's army drove away foreigners from the East. A notable parade which celebrates this event ends at Banni Mantapa after beginning at the Chamundi temple near the Mysore palace in Karnataka. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the waxing moon of the month of Ashwin, and it occurs exactly 18 days before (*) Diwali. In some communities, it is accompanied by a Rama Leela, after which statues of Ravana are burned, while others celebrate this festival in honor of the victory of Durga over the demon Mahishasura. It gets its name from the fact that it celebrated after the nine day period called "navaratri." For 10 points, identify this prominent festival of India.
In some regions, this festival is associated with the worship of a shami tree, and historically that ritual was frequently accompanied by a mock battle where a king's army drove away foreigners from the East.
{Dasara} [or {Dusshera}; or {Vijaya Dashami}; prompt on “{Navaratri}” until mentioned]