Dussehra symbolises the triumph of good over evil and at a personal level, it symbolises victory over ten malevolent and destructive qualities people are afflicted with. These are Kama (Lust), Krodha (Anger, Rage), Moh (Attachment), Lobh (Greed), Ahankara or Abhiman (Ego), Dwesha (Aversion, Avoidance), Ghrina (Hatred), Irshya (Jealousy), Chhala (Deception) and Kapat (Wickedness).
Amongst others, Blocks A, Q and P celebrated Dussehra with great fervour but what really arrested my attention was the quiet celebration at Seema Gupta’s house (F4). For generations, their family has been doing Ravan Pooja since he was a revered and learned Scholar who was well-versed in the six Shastras and four Vedas. They pray to God to grant them wisdom like that of Ravan and to annihilate the evils outlined above.
The effigy of Ravan is made using cow dung for the ten heads, wheat flour, barley sprouts etc. This is then consecrated in the fire at the Lodi festival which is usually celebrated on the 13th of January every year.
This year let us also vow to expunge South City 1 of all the filth and garbage that is destroying the aesthetics of our beautiful colony.
