Dasara 413817 223401860 2008-07-03T22:39:56Z Historymike 336758 replaced and cleaned up text lost during previous revisions [[Image:Golu.jpg|150px|thumb|right|[[Golu]] display during Navratri]] '''Dasara''', also called "Navaratri", is among the most important festivals celebrated in [[India]]. Unlike the festival of ''Dussera'', the so-called "festival of joy," this is celebrated for 10 days in some parts of the subcontinent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/14/stories/2005101403270200.htm|publisher=The Hindu|date=2005-10-14|accessdate=2008-07-03|title=Rajasthanis take out Dussera procession}}</ref> ==Festival significance== The Festival of Dasara is celebrated on the occasion of [[Navaratri]], and the holy day also commemorates the triumph of good over evil.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1089012224.cms|publisher=Times of India|accessdate=2008-07-03|date=2001-10-17|title=Dasara: Pleasing Devi Shakti for perpetual happiness }}</ref> Forms of celebrations can take on a wide variety of manifestations, ranging from worshipping the goddess [[Chamunda|Chamundeshwari]] ([[Durga]]) to exhibiting colorful toys on the day of ''bombe habba'' in [[Kannada]]. There is a legend related to the exhibition of toys that is known as ''[[Golu]]'' (spelled ''Kolu'' in some regions). Since the goddess Durga needed tremendous power, all other gods and goddesses transfered their power to Goddess Durga and they all stood still as toys. To respect the self-sacrifice of these deities during the festival days, Hindus revere toys that are in shape of particular gods and goddesses. ==Annual festival finale== The last day of all the celebrations is [[Vijayadashami|Vijaya Dashami]]. In [[Mysore]] there is a tradition of holding a grand procession through the streets of the city with the idol of the goddess Chamundeshwari riding in a golden ''Ambaari'' (elephant-seat). For many centuries, presiding over the 10-day festivities was an important sovereign ritual during the [[Kingdom of Mysore]]. Many cultural events are held at the main [[Mysore Palace|Palace]] in Mysore. During the post-[[Independence of India|independence]] period, the provincial government of [[Karnataka]] has taken over the tradition and continues the celebration every year. ==References== {{reflist}} ==See also== [[Navratri]] {{HinduFestivals}} [[Category:Hindu festivals]] [[Category:Hindu holy days]] [[Category:Festivals in India]] [[Category:Mysore Kingdom]] [[de:Dasahra]] [[hi:दशहरा]] [[kn:ವಿಜಯ ದಶಮಿ]] [[mr:विजयादशमी]] [[nn:Vidjayadasjami]]