Dussehra : Conquer the darkness.
Dussehra is also a festival when new clothes are bought and we spend a lot of time planning on what to buy. Early in the morning we have a bath and put on our new clothes. After a short puja (worship) at home we go to visit the community puja that takes place in our locality. Most of the days we have lunch with friends and neighbors. It is a simple lunch but we all enjoy sitting and eating together. In the afternoons, we rest and prepare for the long evenings.
In the evenings, we all go off to watch Ram Lila being enacted by the local children. They put up a very engaging and colorful show. It is shown in parts over the 9 days and on the 10th day i.e. on Dussehra the climax is enacted. Lord Rama comes in an elaborate procession sitting on a horse-drawn open carriage. He is accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Laxman. Seated at their feet is the faithful Hanuman. The chariot is followed by a number of children dressed as monkeys and devotees. It is amazing to see that people have such a firm belief and faith in our ancient mythology.
The excitement reaches a peak when Rama shoots a burning arrow at Ravana. Immediately the crackers take off and in no time Ravana, Meghnatha and Kumbhakarna go up in flames. People shout and clap at this age-old enactment of victory of good over evil. The whole sky lights up. As the flames die down we turn back to the sound of other Ravana being burnt in other areas nearby.
