Whenever we think of India we think as a land of festivals. Every festival in India epitomizes the social, cultural and religious aspirations of the people. Every festival brings with it few days of happiness and joy in the life of the people. Dussehra also symbolizes the triumph of warrior Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. Thus, it is a celebration of victory of good over evil. It commemorates the killing, of the 10-headed Ravana by Rama, hero of the Indian epic, Ramayana. An effigy is lit which is stuffed with firecrackers, creating an exciting explosion. Dussehra also marks the beginning of the festive season with Diwali, the festival of lights, only 20 days away.
Many people of the Hindu faith observe Dussehra through special prayer meetings and food offerings to the gods at home or in temples throughout India. They also hold outdoor fairs (melas) and large parades with effigies of Ravana (a mythical king of ancient Sri Lanka). The effigies are burnt on bonfires in the evening. Dussehra is the culmination of theNavaratri festival.
There are many local celebrations in different areas in India that can last for up to 10 days. This year in 2011 the victory of good over evil would be celebrated all over the country on the 6th October,2011. Performances of the Ramlila (a short version of the epic Ramayana) in Northern India, specially in Kota, Rajasthan. This festival is celebrated all over the country but the Kota Dussehra is quite unique for it is more than just the beginning of a festive period.
More than 75 feet tall effigies of the demons Ravana, Kumbhakarana and Meghnad are burnt on Dussehra day to symbolise the victory of good over evil. Usually these effigies are filled with crackers. A young child dressed as Lord Ram is made to shoot an arrow of fire at Ravana and the huge figure is burnt.
Many Hindus also believe that it is lucky to start a new venture, project or journey on Dussehra. They may also exchange gifts of leaves from the Shami tree (Prosopis spicigera) as a symbol of the story of the Pandavas brothers' exile in the Mahabharata stories.
