Dussehra Festival, Kota

The Dussehra Festival mela is held in Kota, every year in the Hindu month of Ashvin (Sept-Oct). The festival of Dussehra is celebrated with fervour not only in Kota but throughout India in myriad wayf. 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.

A major attraction for the children, in these enactments, are the Vanar Senas or the monkey forces, headed by the monkey God Hanuman. 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.

Legend has it that Ravana had ten heads. So the effigies of Ravana had ten heads. These colorful effigies are a photographers delight. 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.