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Dasara is a festval celebrated across Southern India. Unlike Dussera, this is celebrated for 10 days in Southern parts.
The Festival of Dasara is celebrated on the occasion of Navaratri. Celebrations are unique ranging from worshipping godessess Chamundeshwari (Durga) to exhibiting colorful toys on the day of 'bombe habba' in Kannada or 'Bommala Koluvu' in Telugu.
See also Navratri.
Saraswati Pooja
Saraswati pooja is held on one day among all these days of celebration. Any piece of literature is wrapped in silk, decorated with Tulsi and worshipped as godessess Saraswati. It is a custom to remember 'Veda Vyaasa' - the light of knowledge who was responsible for the epic 'Mahabharata' and vedas and the holy literature, Shri Madhbhagavadh Gita. It is thought that his blessings can make people knowledgeable.
The Following shloka is used on the day:
विज्ञानरीचिः परिपूरितांतर्बाह्यांडकोशं हरितोपलाभम् ।
तर्काभयेतं विधिशर्वपूर्वगीर्वाण विज्ञानदमानतो: अस्मि ॥
vijnaanarOchihi paripUritaaMtarbaahyaaMDakOsham haritOpalaabham |
tarkaabhayEtam vidhisharvapUrvagIrvaaNa vijnaanadamaanatOho asmi ||
Bombe habba
Various colorful Toys are arranged on tables in different levels, and celebrated on this particular day. Children are invited and given 'Bombe BagiNa' - which usually consists of sweets, small toys for the children. This festival is celebrated with more glory in and around Mysore, Karnataka.
Durgashtami
Godessess Durga is worshipped on this day.
Mahanavami
The ninth day of celebration.
Ayudha Puja
This day is to worship weapons. People in the modern days worship automobiles, their machines on this day.
Vijaya Dashami
The last day of all the celebrations is Vijaya Dashami. In Mysore Dasara, a tradition of carrying godesses Chamundeshwari on a golden chariot heaved on a Elephant is in practice since the days of the old Mysore Kingdom in the Wodeyars' rule. People from all over the world go to Mysore to witness this cultural event. Many cultural events happen at the main Palace in Mysore. Post Independence, the Government of Karnataka has taken over the tradition and is continuing the celebration every year in the same tradition as the Old Mysore Kingdom.
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