Dussehra celebrated with traditional fervour

Mumbai, Oct 9 (UNI) People in Maharashtra celebrated Dussehra, also known as ''Vijaya Dashmi'', commemorating the triumph of Lord Rama over Demon King Ravana, with traditional fervour today.

The word Dussehra is derived from ''Dus'', numbering ten and ''Hara'' implying defeat. It is a day when ten heads of Ravana are destroyed.

The day also celebrates the omnipotence of Goddess Durga and since morning the devout Hindus thronged temples in the city, including the famed Mahalaxmi temple near Haji Ali, to offer prayers.

People made a beeline to temples elsewhere in the state, including the Mahalaxmi temple in Kolhapur and Aurangabad, where a huge procession was taken out by Maa Durga ''Bakhts''.

The day is also considered auspicious for making new purchases, including houses, cars and gold jewellery.

Men, women and children, clad in their best attire, thronged the main bazaars for making purchases. The flower markets were also crowded.

Devotees queued up in front of Durga idols in pandals for the traditional ''Sindoor Khela'', implying smearing the goddess with sindoor. The idols would be immersed this evening.

Police have stepped up security all over the state for the festivities.

UNI OBB RN RL GC1610