Dussehra, an auspicious occasion In every household, it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement

Dussehra, the tenth day of Navratri, is known to mark the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Although there are varying rituals associated with this day, yet in every household this festival is seen to be celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement. Right from worshipping the goddess to indulging into loads of sweets, everything is done by members of mostly all Hindu households. Besides this a few selected items in the home like jewellery, books and money is also worshipped.
Dussehra is also a festival associated with buying something new for the home. Things like home appliances or a certain amount of gold are brought by most people on this day. "At our home a puja of devi maa is performed by the women of the house. This day is considered to be extremely auspicious and also you never need to think twice before starting anything new on this day. Since books are considered to be a form of Maa Saraswati, we also ask the children at home to worship them. Something sweet like srikhand puri or anything on the similar lines is also prepared on this day. Everyone is in a festive mood on this day and is seen to be looking their very best with some nice traditional clothing," says Borivali resident Pallavi Jambhore.
While some of the women are seen wearing a saree or salwar kameez, the men dress up wearing kurta pyjamas mostly. Dussehra is also considered a day of family get together wherein relatives visit each other's home to wish, more so considering it being a holiday in schools and most offices.
"Dussehra is considered to be one of the most auspicious days, amongst the three-and-half auspicious days of the Hindu calendar, other being Akshaya Tritiya and Gudi Padwa.
"We try making a Ravan on a plate on this day using rice grains. We then put actual gold in between it and cut the Ravan into half which for us in a symbol of victory over evil. The gold which remains back is a sign of prosperity and happiness. On this day we also do an aarti of all the men in the household," says Dahisar resident Jui Dayudude.
Some even believe that Dussehra marks the end of the scorching summer heat and the beginning of winter. "Dussehra literally means cutting across the ten faces of Ravana. We do a puja in our home amongst our family and relatives. Besides since it is a festive occasion a lavish lunch is prepared for all. We make a number of non-vegetarian delicacies in our home which everyone enjoys having completely," says Vasai resident Archana Srivastav.
For members of the south Indian community, the day of Dussehra is considered to be auspicious to start learning something new whether that be acquiring some kind of knowledge or even learning to play a new music instrument. Savitri Ravishankar from Virar says, "One day before Dussehra whatever study books are there in the home are worshipped and kept in front of Maa Saraswati photo on whom a garland is put. Besides, music instruments are also placed at the feet of the Goddess. Then on the day of Dussehra, children are expected to take the books or instruments out from there are start studying from it."