Dussehra

Dussehra falling on the last day of Navaratri or Durga puja arrives in the month of October. Dussehra literally means that which takes away ten sins. This Hindu festival is celebrated all over India to mark the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. Dussehra symbolises the triumph of good over evil. The 'Ramlila' - an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra.

On the tenth day, larger than life effigies of Ravana, his son and brother -Meghnath and Kumbhakarna, are set alight. A major attraction for the children, in these enactments, are the Vanar Senas or the monkey forces, headed by the monkey God Hanuman. The air resounds with slogans in praise of Lord Rama. Huge effigies of the vanquished Ravana along with his brother Kumbhkarana and his son Meghnath, made of paper & bamboo and stuffed with crackers are set alight.

Legend has it that Ravana had ten heads. So the effigies of Ravana had ten heads. These colorful effigies are a photographers delight. The worship of weapons during this festival was essential for the martial Rajput race. Festivities and the cattle fair commence from the day after the effigy of the Ravana is burnt.

West Bengal, puja pandals have beautifully decorated images of the goddess Durga and people gather here in large numbers to enjoy the festivities.

In Gujarat, the exuberant Navaratri celebrations include dancing the lively 'garba' and 'dandiya ras' dances.

In Himachal Pradesh, a week -long fair in the hill town of Kullu, is a part of the Dussehra celebrations. From the little temples in the hills , deities are brought in procession to the 'maidan' in Kullu, to pay homage to the reigning deity, Raghunathji.

Mysore, the city of palaces in Karnataka celebrates the ten day Dussehra in a royal style. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with a myriad lights. Majestic processions, a torch light parade and dance and musical events enliven the tranquil city.

Rich in courtly splendour and age old traditions, the Dussehra festival here is marked by a glittering procession which attracts thousands from the surrounding villages. Dramas depicting the Armageddon is very common. Like all festivals in Rajasthan, it provides a good opportunity to the traders to display their attractive wares to the rural and urban buyers. Small effigies of Lord Ram, Sita and Lakhsman are very common works of sculpture. The fair lasts for about a fortnight.

Diwali :

Deepavali or Diwali (Festival Of Lights) is a beautiful festival of Hindus. Celebrated 21 days after Dussehra, it marks the return of Lord Rama (Hero of the epic Ramayana) to Ayodhya after his 14 years exile. Thousands of traditional clay lamps are lit in houses all over the country. Lakshmi -the goddess of wealth and prosperity is worshipped.

The houses are cleaned and decorated with designs drawn on the floor (kolams). It is believed that Lakshmi only enters homes that are clean and spotless. People wear new apparel, consume a rich and sumptuous feast and burst crackers.

It is celebrated for five days. Each day dedicated to a special thought. First day-Dhanteras or Dhantrayadashi is celebrated in favour of goddess Lakshmi. Poojas are performed and devotional songs are sung in praise of the goddess. Small foot steps are made with rice flour and vermilion powder on the floors of the houses depicting the arrival of the goddess. Earthen lamps filled with oil having cotton wicks are arranged in neat rows along the walls and parapets in the verandahs. These lamps are lit in the evening and kept throughout the night. Glittering lights are a splendid spectacle.

Second day the Narka - Chaturdashi or Choti Diwal, the celebrations are based on a legend of the killing of the Naraka Asura by Lord Krishna. Traditional early baths with oil are made and kumkums are applied on their foreheads. The following days Goddess Kali is worshipped, books are worshipped in a special ceremony, old accounts are settled and new ones are opened and the legend of the Asura king Bali is remembered. On Diwali day, delicious sweets are prepared and exchanged among friends and relatives.