People across India are gearing up for Dussehra or Vijayadashami celebrations that mark the end of the nine-day Navratri and Durga Puja festivities. Ravan Dahan, the burning of the effigy of demon king Ravan is considered one of the most important rituals of Dussehra in many parts of the country. The ritual symbolises the victory of good over evil.
The tradition is usually observed with great enthusiasm, pomp and show in many cities, which become important focal points of mass congregations in the evening.
In Delhi, one of the best spots to witness the Ravan Dahan programme is on the grounds of the Red Fort in Delhi. The event is commemorated by the burning of an effigy of Ravan, together with his accomplices Meghnad and Kumbhakaran, to represent the triumph of good over evil.
In Karnataka, the lavishly decorated Mysore Palace, which is lit up by tens of thousands of lights, is the centerpiece of Dussehra celebrations. The festival includes the Ravan Dahan, which is held nearby in a public space and draws both residents and tourists in large numbers.
Dussehra is celebrated with great fervour in Ayodhya as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. The entire city comes together during this time to celebrate the occasion. The Ram Leela performance is a highlight of the event along with the Ravan Dahan programme.
Ravan Dahan is a scene from the Ram Leela, a dramatic depiction of Lord Rama’s life, which takes place in Varanasi, the ancient city on the banks of the Ganges. It is a major occasion for the citizens of the city and beyond.
Dussehra is also enthusiastically observed in Chandigarh. The Ravan Dahan celebration here is a component of a lively festival with food vendors, entertainment, and cultural exhibits. It’s an opportunity for the neighborhood to gather and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
In Jaipur, the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium is a premier location to host Ravan Dahan. Processions, musical performances, and dance performances bring the city to life. The Ravan Dahan celebration is a magnificent spectacle that draws both locals and visitors.
More than 15,000 Mumbai police personnel will be on duty at venues of Dussehra rallies of rival Shiv Sena groups, to oversee the immersion of Goddess Durga idols after the end of the Navratri festival.
Dussehra in Bastar has started to take shape as idols of goddess Danteshwari and other local deities have been brought during a period of 75 days during the month of Ashwin. Bastar stands out as distinctive rituals are observed daily, and unlike other regions where effigies of ‘Ravan’ are burnt, here the festival pays tribute to ‘Mahishasur Mardini Adishakti.’
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