The festival of Dussehra has a special significance across the country.
Due to India's varied culture it is celebrated in a different manner in
different states. But the fervor is same all throughout. In the state of
north India Dussehra celebration includes the Ram Lila, which the drama
depicting the episodes from the life of Lord Rama. Even in Delhi, many
amateur troupes perform Ram Lila throughout the nine-day worship of
Goddess Durga. The tenth day is considered to the most important day
when elaborate processions lead to the Ram Lila grounds where immense
cracker-stuffed effigies of the demon Ravana and his brother and son are
burnt.
Dussehra celebration can also be witnessed in Kullu, a small town in
Himachal Pradesh. It was from the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, that
Dussehra celebrations here begin three days after it is celebrated in
the rest of the country. The celebration takes place for three days. On
the first day of the festival, the idol of Raghunathji is mounted on a
splendid rath (chariot), and pulled from its permanent place in the
Dholpur maidan to another part of the meadow. On the second day, a Devta
Durbar (Council of Gods) is held, with Raghunathji presiding. On the
last day of the festival, the chariot of Raghunathji is drawn amidst
fanfare to the banks of the river Beas.
In Tamil Nadu, the first three days are dedicated to the worship of
Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, the next three days to
Saraswati, Goddess of Knowledge and the last three days to Shakti
(Durga). In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, families decorate
dolls (Bommai Kolu) and prepare an elaborate spread of lamps and
flowers. Women traditionally exchange gifts of coconuts, clothes and
sweets. Vijayadasami is also considered an auspicious occasion for
children to commence their education in classical dance and music, and
to pay homage to their teachers. In Mysore the festival is celebrated by
the famous gala procession of richly bedecked elephants on the brightly
lit streets of the city on. In West Bengal Duga puja marks the
celebration of Dussehra. It is the most important festival of the
Begalis. It is celebrated for a period of five days across the state.
Devotees wear new clothes
