For all the posts in this Holidays & Observances series, go here.
Prologue: I have been meaning to write a series about Holidays and Observances that we (my family and friends) follow in both India (my birth country) and USA (my adopted country). This series is dedicated to those. On a side note, perhaps I might witness some of the celebrations from other countries as well that may get their way into this series. š
The tenth day of Dusshera is Dusshera or Vijayadasahami. Incidentally both Maharavami and Dusshera fell on the same day this year, Oct 23rd (2023). This festival is celerbated for various reasons by different states of India. However the key fact is that it is a celebration of good over evil, the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana of Lanka.
There is Ravan Dahan (= Burning of Ravana) performed on this day, a burning of an effigy of Ravana to signify the victory. Another aspect of celebration is the worshipping of Shami tree, which aided the Pandavas in hiding their weapons during their exile and also helped them in fighting against Kauravas.
Obviously the festival follows a feast. We make 5 varieties of rice dishes. This year Mom was here, so she made five varieties of rice dishes, two curries, one chutney, one rasam, Vada, and two varieties of desserts. Indeed a yummy feast it was. š
Galavant Reflections 