Dasarapedia- History, Heritage and Practices (Of the Hindu Festival Dussehra)

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About the Book Rightly titled Dasarapedia, gives an exhaustive account of the festival of Dasara, celebrated annually across the country in different names, both as a ritual and a festival. The celebrations begin on the first, and end on the tenth day, of the lunar month of Asvini, corresponding to the Christian months of September-October, and synchronizing with the last phase of the first rainy season. The first nine-day celebrations are called Navaratri, and that of the tenth day, the Dasami. As the names indicate, it is a night and day festival, involving pomp and splendour, fireworks and festoons, fasts and penance, loyalty and patronage, sports and pastime, which allow little time for the celebrators either to rest orto nap. It marks celebration of the victory of the good over bad, hero over the villain, and the fall of the evil before the divine. In the book all these events pertaining to Dasara is not only assembled systematically, but has conveyed the changes that have taken place in them during the past centuries. In a lucid and simple language he has conveyed everything that one wants to know about this annual festival. He has made his narrative more attractive by adding appropriate illustrations at right places. I am sure that this book will be welcomed by the readers who are interested in our heritage and particularly those in this great annual Festival.

About the Author Dr. V. Ranganath B.Sc., LL.B.PGDMC), MA, Ph.D.D. Litt. Dr. V. Ranganath secured master's degree in History and Kannada and subsequently Ph.D., degree in both the branches of Study and He also received D. Litt.,from Karnataka State Dr.Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, Mysuru.

Dr. Ranganath, served in the capacity of Taluk Magistrate (Tahsildar) in Government of Karnataka and as Officer on Special Duty for Mysore Dasara for thirteen years. He is a guest faculty in prestigious Administrative Training Institute of Mysore. He also trains Government officers and officials in various institutions. He is a columnist, writes weekly column regularly. He is a guest speaker in AIR, Mysore and a regular commentator of Mysore Dasara Processions well as Torchlight Parade telecasted annually in Chandana a Kannada Channel of Door Darshan. He, has written more than 18 books.

He conducted thorough study on Dasara in Karnataka for one of his Doctoral degree. Mysore Dasara is a classic event which attracts tourists from all corners of the globe including India. The ten days extravaganza is absolutely attractive. In other parts of India also Dasara is celebrated in different forms. In West Bengal it is called as Durga Puja, where as it is observed as Rama Lila in Delhi and other parts of the country. The Dasara is celebrated through India in one or other forms. That made him to bring all those ritual celebrations in one book. The English version definitely helps to know our tradition.

Foreword Rightly titled Dasarapedia, this work of Dr. V. Ranganath and Dr. La. Na. Swamy gives an exhaustive account of the festival of Dasara, celebrated annually across the country in different names, both as a ritual and a festival. In South India, more so in Karnataka, the celebrations begin on the first and end on the tenth day, of the lunar month of Asvini, corresponding to the Christian months of September-October, and synchronizing with the last phase of the first rainy season. The first nine-day celebrations are called Navaratri, and that of the tenth day, the Dasami. As the names indicate, it is a night and day festival, involving pomp and splendour, fireworks and festoons, fasts and penance, loyalty and patronage, sports and pastime, which allow little time for the celebrators either to rest or to nap. It marks celebration of the victory of the good over bad, hero over the villain and the fall of the evil before the divine.

Preface Mysuru Dasara of fame many Europeans and Indians used vis Mysuru even days Krishnaraja Wodeyar resident of Mysur have been watching Dasara procession ever science since childhood days Even witnessed celebrations Sri Jayachamarajowadeyar. At present people from Karnataka, different states of India and good foreign tourists take part eyewitness different cultural events also see mesmerizing illuminations of the entire city. had organise events for than decade. was even deputed as officer on special duty Dasara by the Government of Karnataka was wonderful experience.

This made me curious created huge interest to study the heritage of Dasara. know that Mysuru Dasara started from 1610 AD wodeyar of Mysore dynasty at Srirangapattana Mysuru. the interesting know whether had history prior to AD?

As progressed my research work on MYSURU DASARA, was astonished to know that more than thousand years history. It also surprising note Navaratri also ancient times. being celebrated in many part Karnataka throughout India different forms. is Durga puja in West Bengal, is Ramaleela Delhi and many Indian States, and these information are very interesting.

**Contents and Sample Pages**