Dasara

Dashahara ( Vijaya Dashami also, Dasara, Sanskrit, f, दशहरा, Dasahara; . Hindi, m, दशहरा, Dasahara; Marathi, दसरा, Dasara, in English with Dussera, Dussehra reproduced) is a Hindu festival that of the tenth day is celebrated moonlit half of the Hindu month Ashvayuja (or Ashvina ), according to modern calendars usually beginning / mid October. It is the last day and culmination of a ten-day festival, which is called differently in different regions of India. The underlying legends and traditions and customs vary greatly. Dashahara is not only among the highest religious holidays of the Hindus but everywhere has also important social significance.

Regional characteristics

• In the north of the Indian subcontinent is to Dashahara Rama in the center of worship, and the people celebrate the joy of celebration for the return of the divine heroes from exile and his victory over the demon Ravana. An essential element are multi-day performances, the religious and entertaining Ramlilas which tell the stories of the great epic Ramayana, which celebrates the deeds of Rama, also the Swang - entertainment theater.
• In the east, especially in Bengal, the goddess Durga is at the center and the people know the same festival as Durga Puja. See the believers Durga during this time than in their Murti, the consecrated statues present. Celebrate Durga's victory over the buffalo-demon Mahishasura and thus overcoming of evil.
• In the princely state of Bastar, the local Raja was regarded as incarnation. His participation in the festival as chief priest was for the local tribals of great symbolic importance.
• In south Indian states Kali is considered the dark side of the goddess, as the winner over the buffalo demon. The holidays are here called Navaratri ( festival of nine nights). Nine days is in almost every household Navaratri Kolu, a scaffold, on the steps of a number of puppet show mythological scenes. Especially women and children go from house to house and enjoy it.
• Even in the West, such as the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, we celebrate the feast as Navaratri. Here the goddess stands under the name of Amba ( " mother ") in the center of worship. It provides a water-filled jar, a Garbo, a small pile of earth, was sown in the corn. Nine days and nights in front of a burning butter lamp, and finally to Dashahara, the tenth day, bringing the pitcher in the temple.