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 The main feature of the ten day long Dusshera celebrations is Rama-Lila, based on the epic Ramayana. The various episodes of Ramayana are enacted, as in a folk theatre. On Vijayadasami, the effigy of Ravana is burnt with crackers, in the presence of thousands of cheering spectators.
In West Bengal and the neighboring states of Assam and Orissa, Goddess Durga is worshipped as a symbol of Shakti, commemorating her victory over the demon Mahishasura. Calcutta comes alive at Durga Puja when images of the Goddess are carried through the streets to be immersed in the river, after nine days of celebration. Five days later on the full-moon night, people worship Lakshmi on the same spot where Durga was installed. In Punjab, Navaratri is a period of fasting. In Gujarat, every evening during the nine nights, women join the Garba dance around an earthen lamp, singing and clapping in rhythmic movements. They sing praises of the Goddess.  In Tamil Nadu, the first three days of the Navaratri festival are dedicated to Lakshmi, the next three to Durga, and the last three days to Saraswati. Dusshera is celebrated here as a doll festival. Houses display dolls of Gods and Goddess - Golu. The dolls on display represent Gods and Goddesses giving a helping hand to Goddess Durga to fight the demon.
In Himachal Pradesh, images of Gods from all over the valley are brought together in decorated palanquins to celebrate Dusshera, and a fair is held in the region. In Mysore and Andhra Pradesh, Dusshera is celebrated for the victory of Rama over Ravana. Friends and relatives greet each other and exchange sweets and pleasantaries. |
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