Dasara Prep Lights Up Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The city was abuzz on Wednesday as families and communities geared up to celebrate Dasara, a festival of devotion, food, and cultural traditions. Markets glittered with marigolds while homes were cleaned and adorned with Rangoli and flowers in anticipation of the annual celebrations.From Durga Puja pandals to lively Dandiya nights, Hyderabadis are embracing the festival through prayers, rituals, and social gatherings. "Dasara is a family affair for most of us. We begin with puja, followed by a family get-together filled with food and fun. Everyone pitches in to prepare a lavish spread. It's something we look forward to all year," said Prasanna, a resident of Vanasthalipuram. Meanwhile, techie Akshay from Miyapur noted, "The day is packed with pandal visits and good food, but it also marks that Durga Puja is nearing its end."For many in Telangana, Dasara carries a deeper cultural meaning. Sheshamanga Perala from Kukatpally highlighted the ritual of exchanging Jammi Aaku, a leaf with significant religious and cultural importance. "We also offer prayers and decorate our homes with rangoli and flowers," she said.Dasara, symbolising the triumph of good over evil, sees people offering prayers and adorning their tools, vehicles, and weapons in gratitude during Ayudha Puja.Harikrishna Mamidi, former director of language and culture, explained, "In Telangana, Jammi Aaku is considered as valuable as gold. On Vijayadashami, people exchange these leaves with family, friends, and colleagues, often along with small gifts or blessings. Elders give Jammi leaves to younger members, wishing them success, health, and prosperity."Another local belief, Harikrishna noted, revolves around the palapitta, a bird regarded as a messenger of good fortune. Its sudden appearance or chirping on Vijayadashami is considered an auspicious sign.In Bengali households across the city, Dashami begins with Sindoor Khela, where married women smear each other with vermilion before bidding farewell to Goddess Durga. Idols are immersed in water bodies, symbolising her return to Mount Kailash. Police officials reported that over 3,000 Durga idols have been registered this year, with around 200 immersions scheduled by Thursday, most of them on Friday and Saturday.Ravan Dahan events will also illuminate the city this Dasara, with effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakarna being burnt across grounds, attracting families for fireworks and celebrations.Several associations, some with a legacy of over 50 years, were busy with last-minute preparations to host festivities at their venues. One of the city's oldest events, organised by Rajasthani Pragati Samaj at Nampally Grounds, will feature a 20-foot-tall Ravana effigy. "This is our 53rd year hosting Ravan Dahan. We expect at least 20,000 visitors. Alongside, a Ramayana mela will give everyone a complete festival experience," Govind Rathi, general secretary of the association, told TOI.