Team Herald
PONDA: After nine nights of Navratri, Dussehra (Vijayadashmi ), a festival signifying the victory of good over evil, was celebrated across Ponda taluka on Saturday with processions of deities in decorated palanquins and marked by religious rituals and festivities.
Thousands of devotees participated in the procession of Goddess Shantadurga at Kavlem with great enthusiasm.
On this day, a ritual called seemollanghan is held where people offer flowers, fruits, and coconuts to the deity during the procession.
In Kavlem, the palanquin of Goddess Shantadurga proceeded to Kapileshwar temple where a gift was offered to Lord Kapileshwar, who is believed to be her brother.
The devotees believe that Goddess Shantadurga visits the Kapileshwar Temple during the Dussehra festival.