The festival of Dussehra indicates the triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness as signified by the conquest of the evil Ravana by Lord Rama. Celebrated all over India with gusto, the festival is held in the Hindu month of Ashvin that is generally September or October. Travel to Rajasthan and visit the city of Kota, which celebrates this special festival with a ritual Dussehra Mela that attracts people from all over.
The Dussehra Mela in Kota is a riot of colors. Well-decorated shops, cultural performances and colorfully clad locals - all vie for your attention as soon as you enter the fair. Theatrical enactments and performances from the Ramayana are greatly popular with the visitors. However, the main highlight of the fair is the burning of the effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghnath. Slogans praising the victory of good over evil rent the air as the burning effigies come down to the ground.
As the day wears on, many other events take place one after another thus adding up to a very enjoyable experience. In 2009, the Dussehra Mela is scheduled for 26 September - September 28. If you are in Rajasthan during this festive season, don't forget to visit Kota and get a taste of Rajasthan like never before.