The dance of the sticks

The Dandiya Raas is performed during Navratri celebrations in honour of Goddess Durga who killed the demon Mahishasura. Men and women who participate in this dance dress in their traditional dresses and dance with the two sticks in their hand and strike it against their opposite number. The sticks are supposed to represent the sword of Durga and is a reenactment of the battle between Durga and Mahishasura.