|
|
|
Dussera falls on the 10th day of the waxing moon during the Hindu month of Ashvin. Several mythological legends are woven around this festival of joy. It is also known as 'Vijayadashami'.On Dussera, Ram, the hero of the great Hindu epic, Ramayana, vanquished Ravan, the 10-headed demon king of Lanka who had abducted Ram's wife, Sita. The highlight of Dussera is Ram Lila, which is enacted for 10 days to mark the 10-day battle fought between Ram and Ravan. The Ram Lila is depicted in large public gatherings often held in open grounds that come alive with festive atmosphere. On Dussera gigantic, colourful effigies of Ravan, his brother Kumbhakarn and son Meghnada are set ablaze on the 10th day of Ram Lila. Durga puja is a nine-day affair with the last day coinciding with Ram Navmi and Dussera respectively. The Goddess Durga is venerated in one form or the other all over India, though her popularity is at its peak with the Bengalis. Durga Puja commences on the day after Mahalaya, usually on the last day of the waning or new moon. There are special rituals for each of the days that follow and all these ceremonies are interspersed with the usual rounds of anjali, prasad and bhog. Navratri Utsav used to be Gujrat centric once upon a time, today it is a festival celebrated with much pomp around Mumbai as well. Dance and music, popularly known as Garba, is part of the social activities during these days which generally falls during September-October. Amba Mata, the earth goddess bestowing strength and power against the forces of evil, is praised during Navratri through Puja and dances of the Ras Garba tradition. The word Garba comes from the word "Garbha Deep", meaning a light in the inner sanctum of the temple, signifying knowledge (light), as opposed to the darkness (ignorance). |