Kota
Dussehra
Dussehra is celebrated in Kota in Sep-Oct. This festival is celebrated
all over the country but the Kota Dussehra is quite unique for it
marks more than just the beginning of a festive period.
More than 75 feet tall effigies of the demons Ravana, Kumbhakarana
and Meghnad are burnt on Dussehra day to symbolise the victory of
good over evil. Usually these effigies are filled with crackers.
A young child dressed as Lord Ram is made to shoot an arrow of fire
at Ravana and the huge figure is burnt.
Villagers gather here dressed in multicolored clothes to offer
prayers to Lord Rama and to celebrate his victory over Ravana. Prominent
artists from all over the country are invited to participate in
cultural programmes who enthral the huge audience with their performances.
Rich in courtly splendour and age old traditions, the Dussehra
festival here is marked by a glittering procession which attracts
thousands from the surrounding villages. Dramas depicting the Armageddon
is very common.
Like all festivals in Rajasthan, it provides a good opportunity
to the traders to display their attractive wares to the rural and
urban buyers. Small effigies of Lord Ram, Sita and Lakhsman are
very common works of sculpture. The fair lasts for about a fortnight. |