By Bhupen Goswami

Guwahati : Dussehra celebrations have begun across the country and the festive fervour has gripped the nation. One of the largest effigies of Ravan will be burnt in Sarpara’s R.B high school playground at Mirza on the eve of Dussehra. The height of Ravan effigy is 101 feet. The effigy is made of bamboos and rattan. “It is the tallest effigy of Ravan in the entire state” claimed Mirza Dussehra organisers. Dussehra or Vijayadashami, considered as one of the most important festivals of India, marks triumph of good over evil. According to scriptures, Goddess Durga slayed the buffalo demon Mahishasura on this day. It also marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. Vijayadashami also marks the end of Durga Puja. Dussehra in a way also marks the onset of preparations for the festival of lights – Diwali, which falls twenty days after the festival. Demon king Ravan’s effigies from small to giant sizes which would go up in flames on Dussehra today have been lined up for sale in different parts of the city where people specially children could be seen purchasing them.