Dussehra Festival in Kota, Rajasthan - To celebrate Ram’s victory over Ravana
About Kota
Kota is a fascinating mixture of medieval grandeur and modern industrialization. Known as the industrial capital of Rajasthan, Kota has left its past to history books and pushed itself into 21st century.
Dussehra Festival in Kota
The Dussehra mela is held in Kota every year in the Hindu month of Ashvin (Sept- Oct).
The festival of Dussehra is celebrated with fervor not only in Kota but throughout India in myriad ways. It marks the victory of Lord Rama over the Demon King Ravana.
This fiery battle between the good and the evil lasted ten days. The theatrical enactment of this dramatic encounter are held throughout the nation in which both children and elders participate.
Attractions of Dussehra Festival
A major attraction for the children, in these enactments, are the Vanar Senas or the monkey forces, headed by the monkey God Hanuman.
Ravan Putla (Effigy) Burnt on Dusshera Festival in Rajasthan
The air resounds with slogans in praise of Lord Rama. Huge effigies of the vanquished Ravana along with his brother Kumbhkarana and his son Meghnath, made of paper & bamboo and stuffed with crackers are set alight.
As per legend says Ravana had ten heads, so the effigies of Ravana also has ten heads. These colorful effigies are a photographers delight.
It’s wonder how these effigies, which measure upto 72-75 ft in height are made to stand.
The worship of weapons during this festival was essential for the martial Rajput race.
Festivities and the cattle fair commence from the day after the effigy of the Ravana is burnt. Various cultural programmes last for a fortnight while the cattle and trade fair continues for the whole month.
Other Tourist Places in Kota
A few interesting sites to visit in around /kota are Badoli, Darrah Wildlife, Rock Paintings of Alaniya. The Goverment Museum and Jag Mandir.
Personal Note
We also burnt one effigy of Ravana, the snap of which you can very well see on the left.
