Diwali and Dusshera Mela Celebrations at Skeeter’s Stadium, Sugar Land

By Nik Nikam, MD

SUGAR LAND: Shri Sita Ram Foundation, USA  will be presenting the Diwali – Dusshera Mela at the Skeeter’s stadium on Oct. 15, 2016, between 4-10 PM. This will be the FIFTH year in a row, where Shri Sita Ram Foundation will be displaying this cultural extravagance, where the Triumph of Good over Evil is brought to real life on stage with hundreds of artists acting, dancing, changing music and much more.

The Dusshera refers to the tenth day of the battle between Gods and Demons, where Lord Sri Rama kills the Demon Ravan in Sri Lanka. In other parts of India like Karnataka, this day  refers to Goddess Chamundeshwari killing demon Mahishashura, and in West Bengal, it refers to Durga mata killing the Demon Monster.

Dusshera celebrations are accented by enacting the battles scenes on stage, followed by music, dances,   and religious chantings. That is followed by a parade, similar to the one we see on the Macy’s day Parade. Here some people dress-up like Gods and Goddesses, while others play music, dances, and wear mythical costumes.

Following the parade, the burning of the effigies of the Demons and fireworks, mark the finale of this glorious celebrations.

This program is very popular and very attractive to all members of the family, as young children get to learn a great deal about the India mythology, while the grandparents get to reminiscence the nostalgia memories of their childhood when they were participating in the similar events in various parts of India.

And, of course, there will be plenty of food booths, merchandize booths and activities for young children.

Diwali marks the beginning of a new year in the Indian calendar and is celebrated with houses lit up with multicolored lights ( similar to Christmas) prayers, exchange of gifts, wearing new dresses, visiting family and friend, and finally, culminating with firecrackers.

This Diwali and Dusshera Mela has attracted more than 9000-10,000 people in the past. We have had to turn down people due to fixed capacity at the Skeeter’s stadium.

We urge people to buy their tickets from www.Sulkeha.com, www.humtumdesi.com, Foundation website www.ShriSitaRam.org and many Indian grocery stores around town.