One of the big festivals celebrated in most parts of India is Dussehra. The festival is celebrated with zest and festivities as it also marks the beginning of the winter season after the long, unbearable, hot summer. Dussehra marks the victory of Ram over the demon king Ravana, and the rescue of his wife Sita. In north India, gigantic effigies of the ten-headed Ravana and his brothers are set aflame amidst bursting of crackers. Fairs are usually held on this occasion with lots to eat, buy and enjoy.

Dussehra means the Tenth Day, being the 10th day of the bright half of Ashvin. This day is also known as Vijayadashmi, or the Victory Tenth, because of the victory of Ram over Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Another legend is related with Kautsa, the young son of Brahmin Devdatta. He lived in Paithan. After completing his education he was eager to offer his teacher gurudakshina. On Kausta`s insistence he asked for 140 million gold coins. The student went to King Raghu who was well known for his generosity. The king requested Kuber, the God of wealth to shower gold coins adjacent to the shanu and apati trees. Kausta collected the money and gave away the promised amount to his guru. The rest of the money was distributed amongst the poor on the day of the Dussehra. This tradition continues even today. On the very day the people of Ayodhya collect the leaves of shanu and apati trees and gift these to each other.

In Kota a fair is held on this day. Cultural performances, various shops and colorful attires are quite common to the Dussehra mela in Kota. Ramlila or performances based on the entire life of Lord Rama are held. People gather in huge numbers to witness these performances. As the show comes to an end massive effigy of Ravana, Kumbhakarna (his brother) and Meghnath (his son) are burnt and firecrackers follow. The burning models signify the victory of good over evil. The slogan of `Jai Siya Ram` reverberates through the air.

The religious beliefs of the people can be comprehended through festivals, such as, Dussehra mela in Kota. The zests with which they celebrate these festivals are quite interesting to observe.