In most of northern india and some parts of maharashtra,
dasha-hara is celebrated more in honour of rama. during these 10 days many plays and dramas based on ramayana are performed. these are called ramlila.
there are outdoor fairs and large parades with effigies
of ravana (a mythical king of ancient sri lanka), his brother kumbhakarna and son meghanad. the effigies are burnt on bonfires in the evening. the onset of cold weather is believed to encourage infections. the burning of the effigies, filled with firecrackers containing phosphorus, supposedly purifies the atmosphere.
on this festival, may god rama bestow you with a
healthy, wealthy and peaceful life!