The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.132

v2.c17.132

11. *Daśaharā*, or the 10th of the waxing moon in the month of Āśvina. It is the day on which, in Bengal, the idol of Durgā is consigned to the nearest river or tank, but as in the North-Western Provinces and in Orissa no clay image is made, no such ceremony can be observed. According to the Purāṇas and Tantras, Rāmā, after having been foild in many attempts to overcome the ten-headed monster of Laṅkā, devoted fourteen days to the worship of the goddess Durgā, and having propitiated her, on the 15th day sallied forth and attained his object. The Durgā pūjā is an anniversary of this worship, and it is usual throughout India to observe the last day by martial display. Formerly military expeditions were sent forth on this day, and villages of neighbouring chieftains looted. It is firmly believed that success in any venture on this day is a sure presage of success throughout the year, and every one in his own sphere does something which he hopes would ensure a year's good fortune. At Bhuvaneśvara the lord of the universe is, by proxy, taken to the temple of Kālikā Devī, and there all the *pāiks* and wrestlers assemble and display their respective arts. The display of swordsmanship on the occassion is said to be particularly grand.