|
Kota
is known for its Dassehra celebration and the
Dassehra Mela. The
splendour is as rich as that of Kullu or Mysore. More than 75 feet tall
effigies of
the
demons Ravana, Kumbhakarana and Meghnath are burnt on Dussehra day
symbolising the victory of good over evil. Major attractions 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.
This 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 multicoloured clothes to offer prayers to Lord Rama and to celebrate his victory over Ravana. The people who visited the Dassehra of 1960 were astonished to see the huge effigies of Ravana. Rich in courtly splendour and age old traditions, the Dussehra festival here is marked by a glittering procession, which attracts thousands from the surrounding villages. Maharao Durjan Singhji II started the tradition of Royal procession. Like
all festivals in Rajasthan, it provides a good opportunity to the
Watch what ? People of Israel Said about Mela Dussehra Kota -2004, Click
here
|
|