Let the Festivities Begin!

Today marks the official beginning of the festive season in this part of the world.

Dussehra is one of the most important festivals in India. Celebrated almost throughout the country albeit in different ways, it marks ten days of fasting or feasting (depending on which part of the country you come from), with a final celebration of good over evil on the tenth day.

In north India, the festive period begins with the ‘navratras’ when devotees worship the nine forms of the goddess. Special fasts are observed by the people and special foods are cooked during this period. This festival also commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana who, as told in the Ramayana, abducted his wife Sita and held her captive in his kingdom.

A batik representation of the ten-armed Goddess Durga on her lion

In the other parts, the same fervour can be seen over five days of celebrating Durga Puja, where the goddess Durga is worshipped for having slayed the demon Mahishasura. However, in these parts, instead of fasting the goddess is appeased by community feasting.

Isn’t that amazing? – two completely divergent ways of celebrating the same thing, even while being in the same country. This is truly unity in diversity!

Here’s wishing festive cheer and happiness to all my Indian readers, while the rest of you enjoy the festive season through my posts. :)

P.S. – Stay tuned for a fascinating story related to the Indian festival of Dussehra. Coming soon!