Dussehra Festival in India

The festival of Dussehra is the principle ceremony of Hindus. The three places where it is celebrated with special grandeur are in Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and Mysore in Karnataka. Dussehra is the tenth day and the climax of nine daylong festivities of Navaratri when the effigy of Ravana is burnt to mark the defeat of the evil spirit on the earth.

The day is also celebrated as Vijayadasami. In West Bengal, the day is celebrated as the last day of Durga Puja. Huge idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in rivers after the puja. This is arguably the biggest and grandest of all the festivals.

In West Bengal, Goddess Durga is worshipped as an incarnation of power or "shakti". She is the cosmic energy that animates all beings. In the Hindu mythology, it was the goddess Durga who vanquished the demon who had unleashed a reign of terror. The worship of the magnificence and omnipotence of the Goddess is carried out in a grand style.

In Tamil Nadu, the first three days are dedicated to the worship of the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. The next three days are dedicated to the worship of the goddess of learning and art, Saraswati. Exchange of gifts take place between families and friends.

In Punjab the day is celebrated in style as Navaratri. Fasting is observed in this day. The state of Gujarat celebrates in style. The fascinating Garba Dance is organized in different parts of the state.

Often the event organized is local in nature but the spirit of the festival brings light and joy to all the people. In northern India, especially in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the occasion is marked as Ram Lila. Various incidents pertaining to the life of Lord Rama is enacted. Devotional songs are sung accompanied by rhythmic clapping of hands.

Tourism reaches a high during this time of the year. Millions of people from all over the world come here to catch a glimpse of India in a festive mood. Enjoy the sparkling spirit of the festival by visiting places life Delhi, Kolkata and Varanasi.