When we were very young studying in 4th or 5th standard we used to enjoy a lot during Dusserah. Though Dusserah is observed it is not a very big festival in south and particularly in villages of Andhra Pradesh where I come from. However, for Dusserah we use to have at least 10 days school holidays. Since this festival comes around September or October of the year we treat this period as mid holidays. Dusserah – the festival of Goddesss Durga – was observed with joy.
During Dusserah we used to get up very early in the morning and went around to the agricultural fields to collect flowers – particularly for Dusserah we used to decorate with Torai flowers. Since there was competition among students to get more flowers for Pooja we used to go very early in the morning. At one place near Mosuru river we went inside a big garden where we used to collect varieties of flowers. It was so dangerous as early in the morning you cant see much and the place where we used to pluck the Torai flowers there is a big and deep pond below with full water. Braving the fencing and various obstacles in the muddy road we gather these flowers.
We used to wear new clothes and used to carry bow and arrow – these bow and arrows are specially made and sold for Dusserah. These bow and arrows are decorated with colors various flowers and colour papers.
When the Pooja takes place in the school, the Brahmin used to chant slokas and tell the story on Goddess Durga. While the chanting on, we used to throw Torai flowers on the Idol. While doing this, we used to throw the Torai seeds intentionally, which are very strong, at the Brahmin. Once the Pooja was over, we all stand in que with bow and arrow and go around the village in a que with teachers singing songs on Dusserah. The village crowd used to stand on the sides of the roads. The villagers (affluent families) used to offer sweets etc on the way. The bow and arrow are made in such a way one end of the arrow has a cone shape holder where we used to fill with flowers, color paper pieces etc. and we used to drag the arrow and the flowers throws around.
As i mentioned since there are about 10 days holidays some children used to go to their relatives in other villages and spend sometime there and come back when the schools are reopened.
If one wish to observe any event or a festival, it is in the villages one can enjoy as all villagers come together and encourage and enjoy.