After two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mumbaikars brought in Dussehra with full festive fervour. They played dandiya and garba for the last nine days at various places in the city. These places were frequented by not only the young, but also the elderly who were also looking forward to the festival, as they spent time pandal hopping with friends and family. The festival is a culmination of the nine days and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. There are many different rituals performed to celebrate it around the country but one thing is common, the happiness that the communities have enjoyed after two years of the lockdown.
Updated On: 2022-10-05 06:15 PM IST
At Seema Muranjan's house they started the day with Lakshmi puja. The goddess is drawn symbolically on the slate with chalk and decorated with flowers (in picture). The Mumbai-based octogenerian, who grew up with 11 siblings, says festivals were always celebrated in a big way in the house, and Dussehra was one of them. Photo Courtesy: Seema Muranjan
For the festival, members of Muranjan's family got together to make a delicious spread of food including dishes such as varan bhaat, birda, malai paneer, tendlichi bhaji, puri and basundi (in picture). Photo Courtesy: Seema Muranjan
Muranjan (in blue) say this year reminds her of the pre-Covid days when people could celebrate. So, the 86-year-old from Sion took the opportunity to watch garba, and also sing and participate in aartis (in picture) and visit her sister in Girgaon like the good old days. Photo Courtesy: Seema Muranjan
In Tardeo, Anup Mastakar made the most of the nine days of the festival with his friends. Being a huge follower of the festival, he enjoyed playing garba on all days and even dressed up in the different colours by wearing kurta-dhoti (in picture) or traditional attire. Photo Courtesy: Anup Mastakar
The Mastakars have put the toran (garland) on their main door and on all vehicles at home. They also performed Durga puja, for which he hand-painted the goddess (in picture). Photo Courtesy: Anup Mastakar
After the puja, Mastakar's family enjoyed different kinds of delicacies like basundi puri and kesari bhaat. They will also be giving 'sona' to their friends and family. The bidi leaf represents 'sona' (gold), as they wish for prosperity and happiness for each other. Photo Courtesy: Anup Mastakar
