New Delhi, Oct 21 : Dussehra, a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, is being celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety across the country today.

A tight security arrangement has been made for the festival in the wake of recent terror attacks in some parts of the country.

Meanwhile, President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have greeted fellow citizens on the occasion of Dussehra.

In her message, Patil said: “On the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, I send my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens in India and abroad.”

“May peace, goodwill and prosperity abound in the country and may we all work for the unity and well being of our nation," she added.

Manmohan Singh in his message said that Vijayadashmi is a festival amass the length and breadth of the country, which signifies the triumph of good over evil.

“It is an occasion to foster goodness within and to radiate peace and harmony.

“May the festivals of Dussehra and Durga Puja bring health, happiness and prosperity to all,” the Prime Minister added.

According to Hindu mythology, the ten-headed Ravana abducted Sita, Lord Ram's consort. Ram went to war with Ravana to release his wife from captivity and killed the demon-king, his son Meghnad and brother Kumbhkarna.

Ram's victory over Ravana is described as the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated every year as Dussehra.

Dussehra is also interpreted as "Dasa-Hara", which means the slaying of the ten heads of Ravana, denoting abdication of ten vices --passion, pride, anger, greed, infatuation, lust, hatred, jealousy, selfishness and crookedness. (ANI)