T - TUESDAY 15 OCTOBER 2002

TUESDAY 15 OCTOBER 2002

Got up in the morning as usual. The Puja atmosphere is still prevalent
in the air and in the minds of the people.

Today is Vijaya Dashami, the last day of the Durga Puja. The regular
puja rites were performed in the morning and evening like the other
three previous days. This is the last day of the puja rites and the
next day i.e. tomorrow the images that had been created so artistically
will ultimately be immersed in the river waters. People will again wait
for another year for the Puja's to come.

Today at night, at 8 p.m. huge effigies of Ravana, the demon king, were
burnt at many places, signifying the return of King Rama to his kingdom
after fourteen years of exile. King Rama won the battle against Ravana
who is ultimately killed.

Huge crowds had gathered to see the evil Ravana burning down to ashes.
Lots of firework was displayed. Crowds swarmed in to see this last
event and one could only see the sailing of a sea of heads only.

At last the four days came to and end. I know, from tomorrow, I have to
come out of my holiday mood and have to return to my duties again. A
lovely day spent very happily.

Did some reading and writing, which has turned out to be a habit for
me.

Went to bed late to bed with prayers.

11.50 p.m.