The good, the bad and the barfi

       

     
            Dussehra, the 8th of October, marks the day of extreme significance in the Hindu community. It celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. 'Dussehra' literally translates to "defeat of the ten heads of Ravana". It also celebrates the general triumph of good over evil.

             Similarly, Goddess Durga killed  the mighty demon Mahishasura during Navratri (nine nights). The victory of Goddess Durga over evil is celebrated during these 9 days and Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day. This is because Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga before battling Ravana.

             Food is a major part of this beautiful celebration. Since it is a celebration of good over evil, there is an abundance of sweets. Preparing sweets at home with your family and giving them out to all your neighbours, friends and family is what makes this holiday so special. It fills people with a sense of warmth and community. From ladoos, rasgullas and barfis to jangris and sweet Pongal, everything sweet gets people going. Children go around the neighbourhood, singing and dancing, looking at the freshly decorated house and the smelling the hot food all the way from the road. As usual, food brings people together, in both the likeliest and unlikeliest of ways.