The Dussehra Festival mela is held in Kota, every year in the Hindu month of Ashvin (Sept-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. It marks the victory of Lord Rama over the Demon King Ravana. This fiery battle between the good and the evil lasted ten days. 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 |
