Dussehra is considered as one of the most important festivals by Hindus where Prabhu Shree Ram killed the demon Ravan. It comes in the autumn season of October celebrated in various forms across India, Nepal and Bangladesh. According to the Hindu calendar, this festival comes in the second fortnight during the month of Ashwin. Also known as Navratra, this festival worships Goddess Durga, one of the main forms of Goddess Shakti and whom people consider mother. She is also considered to be a combination of the three Goddesses. They are Saraswati, Parvati, and Lakshmi.
Mahishasura, the demon according to Hindu Mythology was blessed by lord Shiva that no man would be able to kill him except for a woman. He was pleased and very happy with Lord Shiva's blessings because he thought no woman would ever be able to defeat him. Eventually, he was defeated by Goddess Durga. Thus this festival signifies that good shall always prevail over evil. It is also believed that to conquer Ravana, Rama prayed to Goddess Durga for nine days and on the tenth day, he succeeded in defeating Ravana.
Each day is celebrated differently. The first three days are dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. Kumari who signifies the girl child is worshipped on the first day. On the fourth, fifth and sixth day, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. Goddess Saraswati is invoked on the fifth day. This day is referred to as Lalita Panchami where people gather their books and other literature in one place. A 'diya' is lit in front of them to call upon Goddess Saraswati. The seventh day is dedicated to worship Saraswati, the goddess of art and knowledge. On the eighth day 'Yagna' is performed which comprises of a sacrifice offered to the sacred fire. The ninth day is the culmination of Navratri celebrations. Barley seeds are planted in a small bed of mud on the first day. The mud is kept in the pooja room. By the tenth day, each seed is sprouted into a shoot which is three to five inches long. These shoots are plucked and offered to attendees as blessings from God.
Along with Goddess Durga, Goddess Saraswati is also worshipped. This festival is celebrated for 10 days where for nine nights people perform Garba. On the tenth day, they present 'shami' tree, referred to as Gold to their relatives. By mixing all rituals, customs and traditions from different cities, people celebrate this festival in their own way.
During this festival, all shops are decorated with lights. Since it is celebrated for 10 days, people start with its preparations on a large scale. They decorate their home, wear new clothes, buy jewellery, Idols and Puja thalis due to their emotions attached to this festival. People do Jagran for nine nights with Devi Naam Japa. Durga Mata wears nine different colour sarees during these nine days. These include Pratipada (Grey), Dwitiya (Orange), Tritiya (White), Chaturthi (Red), Panchami (Blue), Sashti (Yellow), Saptami (Green), Ashtami (Peacock Green) and Navami and (Vijaya)-dasami (Purple).
These colours are usually worn by women who follow this festival. The products that people buy during this festival include Idols, Gift Hampers, Puja Thalis, Jewellery and other festive products.
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