Predictions of rain may mar Puja Celebrations

Dusshera or Vijayadashmi culminates after nine days of rigorous fasting period of Navratri and coincides with immersion of the idol of Goddess Durga. This day is celebrated to commemorate the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana and Goddess Durga over Mahishasur. Dusshera widely spreads the message of victory of good over evil. Lord Rama killed Ravana on this day as revenge against the heinous act of kidnapping Goddess Sita. According to mythological beliefs, Goddess Durga also killed demon Mahishasura after a long spell of cruelty and oppression. The effigies of Ravan, Meghnath and Kumbhakarnan, stuffed with fire crackers, are set on fire on this day. This day is celebrated with great pomp and show in India as well as in Bangladesh. However, heavy rainfall in the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha might disrupt festivities.

West Bengal

People in Kolkata can only enjoy the initial two days of puja since heavy thunder showers are predicted from Ashtami onwards. On Vijayadashami heavy downpour might disrupt immersion activities of goddess Durga. The municipal corporation is gearing up to prevent waterlogging in major areas and taking measures to keep the spirits of pandal-hoppers alive. Other areas in West Bengal which might bear the brunt of rain are Bankura, Midnapore, Bardhaman and Purulia.

Odisha/Jharkhand

In Odisha, Balasore, Sambalpur, Paradip and Puri is expected to receive heavy showers 12^th onwards, with increasing intensity. Weather conditions in Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Bokaro and Bhilai, in the state of Jharkhand, will have a similar fate.

Partly cloudy skies bringing light intermittent rain in Allahabad during the Dusshera will not affect festivities there. However, moderate to heavy showers might bring life to a standstill on the 13^th of October.

Karnataka

In the cultural capital of Karnataka, Mysore, Dasara (Dusshera) is celebrated as a secular festival where people belonging to every community participate in the Nada Habba or State festival. The festivities culminate on the night of Vijayadashami or the tenth day with a torch-light parade referred to as Panjina Kavayatthu. This year good monsoon rains seem to have acted as a catalyst to light up the festive mood here. Predominantly clear skies and pleasant weather is the forecast for most parts of peninsular India including Mysore. Interior Karnataka, Telangana, north Andhra coast and north Tamil Nadu coast may receive scattered rain during this time.

 

Picture courtesy- durgapuja2013.in