DUSSEHRA

The festivities are spread over 10 days, beginning with Navaratri(Nava-ratri means "nine nights"), the last day being that of Dussehra (also called Vijayadashami). Dussehra celebrates the victory of good over evil, the day on which Rama overcame the demon Râvana. Many parades with dancers and musicians are organized throughout the country. But it is in Mysore (Karnataka) that the festivities are the most impressive, with the palace illuminated every evening and a magnificent parade with its procession of elephants, dromedaries, musicians, dancers...