Many people of the Hindu faith observe Dussehra which is also known as Dashain in Nepal through special prayer meetings and food offerings to the gods at home or in temples throughout the Indian subcontinent.

It holds the belief of winning the victory of the Goddess over the demon, traditionally celebrated for two weeks with prayers and offerings to Durga, the Universal Mother Goddess. The great harvest festival of Nepal, Dashain is a time for family reunions, exchange of gifts and blessings, and elaborate pujas.

They also hold outdoor fairs (melas) and large parades with effigies of Ravana (a mythical king of ancient Sri Lanka).

The effigies are burnt on bonfires in the evening. Dussehra is the culmination of the Navaratri festival.

As MIT welcomes and celebrates all cultures, we will be hosting a lunch with a variety of food, celebrating Dussehra for all students.

Lunch will be served from 12:30 p.m. at Level 1 on Monday, 23 October.

Looking forward to seeing you there!