Dasara

Dasara, also called "Navaratri", is among the most important festivals celebrated in India. Unlike Dussera, this is celebrated for 10 days in Southern parts.

The Festival of Dasara is celebrated on the occasion of Navaratri. Celebrations are unique ranging from worshipping goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) to exhibiting colorful toys on the day of 'bombe habba' in Kannada. There is a story for exhibiting toys called as Golu. Since Goddess Durga needed tremendous power, all other Gods and Goddesses translated their power to Goddess Durga and so they all stood still as toys and to respect them in these days during which they must be worshipped, we pray toys which are in shape of Gods and Goddesses.

Forms of Shakti

The following 9 forms of Durga are worshipped during these nine days: Durga, the inaccessible one

• Bhadrakali
• Amba or Jagadamba, Mother of the universe
• Annapurna, The one who bestows grains (an) in plenty (purna)
• Sarvamangala, The one who gives joy (mangal) to all (sarva)
• Bhairavi
• Chandika or Chandi
• Lalita
• Bhavani
• Mookambika

First three days
The goddess is invoked as a spiritual force called Durga also known as kali in order to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects.

Second three days
The Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees inexhaustible wealth.

Final three days
The final set of three days is spent in worshipping the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. In order to have all-round success in life, believers seek the blessings of all three aspects of the divine femininity, hence the nine nights of worship.

In South India, Saraswathi pooja is performed on the 7th day. Eight day is traditionally Durgashtami which is big in Bengal. The 9th day is Ayudha Pooja when everyone gives their tools of the trade -- pens, machinery, books, automobiles, school work, etc. a rest and ritually worships them. They start afresh from the next day, the 10th day which is considered as 'Vijaya Dashami'. Many teachers/Schools in south India start teaching Kindergarten children from that day onwards. Students also pay homage to their respective teachers as they are considered the third god (Maathaa, Pitha, Guru, Daivam - Mother, Father, Teacher & God). On this tenth day of Navratri in October - the holiday of Dussehra or Dasara, an effigy of Ravana is burnt to celebrate the victory of good (Rama) over evil.

During Navratri, some devotees of Durga observe a fast and prayers are offered for the protection of health and property. A period of introspection and purification, Navratri is traditionally an auspicious and religious time for starting new ventures.

During this vowed religious observance, a pot is installed (ghatasthapana) at a sanctified place at home. A lamp is kept lit in the pot for nine days. The pot symbolizes the universe. The uninterrupted lit lamp is the medium through which we worship the effulgent Adishakti, i.e. Sree Durgadevi. During Navratri, the principle of Sree Durgadevi is more active in the atmosphere.

Navratri is celebrated in a large number of Indian communities. The mother goddess is said to appear in 9 forms, and each one is worshipped for a day. These nine forms signify various traits that the goddess influences us with. The Devi Mahatmya and other texts invoking the Goddess who vanquished demons are cited.

Vijaya Dashami

The tenth day i.e. DASAMI is considered a day of victory as it signifies the day Sakthi slays the demon. It signifies the victory of good over evil. VIJAYADASAMI is a day to begin new ventures, be it business or education etc. as it is an auspicious day and assures one of success. On Vijayadasami, toddlers are taught their first alphabet and some of them are admitted to school on this day to commence their formal education. Formal training in music, dance and other art forms are invariably commenced only on Vijayadasami.

Vijayadasami is also the day to honour one's teacher. Navarathiri - a social festival Navarathiri is also celebrated as a cultural and social festival.
A number of cultural organizations conduct competitions for children and women in the field of music, dance, cookery, floral arrangements and so on.