Dussehra; A special celebration in Kota

Kota is a beautiful blend of medieval grandiosity and contemporary industrialization. Popularly known as the industrial capital of Rajasthan, Kota has left its past to history books and pushed itself into the 21^st century, but the festival of Dussehra is still celebrated with great pomp, pageantry and enthusiasm in myriad ways.  Scheduled to take place from October 02 to 04, 2014, the fair generally lasts for about a fortnight with lots to eat, buy and enjoy..

The mammoth size effigies of the vanquished Ravana along-with his brother Kumbhkarna and his son Meghnath, made of paper & bamboo and stuffed with firecrackers are set alight. Legend has it, that Ravana has ten heads. So the effigies of Ravana comprise ten heads and these colorful effigies are a photographer’s delight.

 

It’s wonderful to watch 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. In some places homage is paid to propitiate Kali, the goddess of destruction and war. They enjoy the festival savoring sugar cane and the mouth-watering sweetmeat Jalebi.

 

Festivities and the cattle fair commence from the day after the effigy of Ravana is burnt. Various cultural programmes last for a fortnight while the cattle & trade fair continues for the whole month in the town.

Dussehra in Kota

Kota is a fabulous amalgamation 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 the 21^st century but the festival of Dussehra is still celebrated with great fervor  and enthusiasm in myriad ways.  Scheduled to take place from October 12 to 14, 2013, the fair generally lasts for about a fortnight with lots to eat, buy and enjoy..

Huge effigies of the vanquished Ravana along-with his brother Kumbhkarna and his son Meghnath, made of paper & bamboo and stuffed with firecrackers are set alight. Legend has it, that Ravana has ten heads. So the effigies of Ravana comprise ten heads and these colourful effigies are a photographer’s delight. It’s a 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. In some places homage is paid to propitiate Kali, the goddess of destruction and war. They enjoy the festival savoring sugar cane and the mouth-watering sweetmeat Jalebi.

Festivities and the cattle fair commence from the day after the effigy of Ravana is burnt. Various cultural programmes last for a fortnight while the cattle & trade fair continues for the whole month.

Dussehra Festival of Kota

Dussehra Festival is very popular and famous festival of Rajasthan. It is  one of the biggest festivals celebrated in most parts of India. This festival is specially celebrated in Kota with much enthusiasm and galore. This year, the fair would fall from October22- 24, 2012.

More than 70 feet tall effigies of the demons Ravana, Kumbhakarana and the Meghnad are burnt on Dussehra day to symbolize the victory of good over evil. Arrows of fire are shot at these effigies, which are stuffed with firecrackers. The result is a deafening blast, and an explosion of sound and light enhanced by the shouts of merriment and triumph of the spectators.  The 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.

Villagers gather here dressed in multicolored clothes to offer prayers to Lord Rama and to celebrate his victory over Ravana. Rich in courtly splendor and age-old traditions, the Dussehra festival here is marked by a glittering procession, which attracts thousands from the surrounding villages. Like all festivals in Rajasthan, it provides a good opportunity to the traders to display their attractive wares to the rural and urban buyers as well as attract foreign tourists to drink in the charm of this festive city.

Prominent artists from all over the country are invited to participate in cultural programs that enthrall the huge audience with their performances.

Fairs are usually held on this occasion with lots to eat, buy and enjoy.