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'Ravan Dahan' that involves the
burning of the effigies of Ravana. |
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The festival of Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, is one of the
fascinating festivals of India and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm.
According to the great Hindu scripture, the Ramayana, Lord Rama performed
chandi-puja (holy prayer). This was carried out in order to invoke the
blessings of Durga Maa for the killing of Ravana, the ten-headed demon king
of Sri Lanka who had abducted Seeta, wife of Lord Rama.
Durga Maa divulged the secret to Rama on how he could slay the great
Ravana. Hence upon vanquishing the demon Ravana, Lord Rama with Sita and
younger brother Laxmana, returned victorious to his kingdom of Ayodhya on
the day which is called 'Diwali'. Revelers across northern India re-enact
the legend at sundown in a performance called the Ramlila, featuring actors
dressed as Rama shooting flaming arrows at effigies stuffed with
firecrackers.
Dussehra day is considered a most auspicious day. It is a time-honored
belief that if any new venture is started on this day, it is bound to be
successful. Hence, all the undertakings be it laying-in of foundation of a
new building, opening of a new commercial establishment or even initiating a
child into the world of learning- are started on this day. Also on this day
implements of agriculture, manufacturer's machines, the intellectuals pens,
the household articles, the children's school books are placed before the
idol of Durga and worshiped.