| THE FESTIVAL Dussehra FestivalOne of the big festivals celebrated mostly in the northern part of India is Dussehra Festival. When is Dussehra? Dussehra Date for 2009 is 28 September. The festival is celebrated with high zest and festivities as it also marks the beginning of the winter season after the long unbearable hot summer. Also celebrated in the other parts of the country, all over India, Dussehra marks the victory of Ram over Ravana, & the rescue of his wife Sita. All institutions are closed for the days of the festival. In North India gigantic effigies of the ten-headed Ravana & his brothers are set aflame with a bursting of crackers. Fairs are usually held on this occasion with lots to eat, buy & enjoy.
Dussehra means the Tenth Day, being the 10th day of the bright half of Ashwin. This day is also known as Vijayadashmi, or Victory Tenth, because of the Victory of Rama over Ravana. |