Navratri is the longest Hindu festi.val that continues for nine consecutive nights in praise of Lord Rama. Continuous chanting from the great epic Ramayana, along with evening performances from the episodes of his life, is held for nine days.

It is a combination of many concepts. It is believed that Durga, the Goddess of power and vitality, has nine forms called Navadurga and on each day of the nine days, she takes a new form, with an arsenal ofweapons, to ride a lion and fight the demon Mahishasura. Vijaydashmi or Dussehra, the 10th day, is celebrated with feasting and rejoicing as her day of victory. Lord Rama is said to have worshipped the Goddess, seeking her blessing in order to overpower the evil force of Ravana, the abductor of his beloved Sica.

The most joyous celebration of Navaratri is seen in Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Bengal. Every night people gather in courtyards to dance the dandiya raas and garba, a community dance in which men and women dressed in festive clothes, dance in pairs with dandiyas or painted wooden sticks.

Is performed during the nine days of Navratri. Community pujas in Bengal are organised in every locality. Families visit each other to share feasts. On Bijoya day, the idols are taken in elaborate processions for immersion in the river or the sea.

Is celebrated to mark the homecoming of Lord Rama. The Ramlila-an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held nine days before Dussehra.

On the tenth day, larger than life effigies of Ravana, his brothers Meghnath and Kumbhkana filled with different fire crackers are set alight to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

In Himachal Pradesh, a week long fair at Kulili is a part of the Dussehra celebrations. From the little temples in the hills, deities are brought in procession to the Kullu Maidan with lot of gaiety, music and colour.

The presiding deity is Lord Raghunathji. Mysore is illuminated with lights for Dussehra. Majestic processions, a torch light parade and dance and musical events enliven the tranquil city.