Millions across India mark Dussehra festival of good over evil

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 18:32 · Archive

Millions of people across India are marking Dussehra with processions, prayers and the burning of giant effigies symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

Millions of people across India marked Dussehra, one of the country's most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, with processions, prayers and the ceremonial burning of giant effigies symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The festival is celebrated with different rituals and traditions across different parts of the country. In northern India, performers wear elaborate costumes and make-up to stage Ramlila, a theatrical performance based on the Hindu epic Ramayan. The festival commonly marks Lord Ram's victory over the mythological 10-headed king Ravana, with the vanquishing celebrated as the victory of righteousness over evil.

In eastern, southern and other parts of India, Dussehra coincides with Vijayadashami, which honours goddess Durga slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The name derives from 'Vijay', meaning 'victory', and 'Dashmi', meaning 'tenth day'. Hindus observe nine days of ceremonies, rituals and fasts, which end on the tenth day, following the lunar calendar.

In New Delhi, crowds watched giant effigies of demons go up in flames on Tuesday as fireworks lit the sky. The figures of Ravana, his son Meghnad and his brother Kumbhakarna burned in the ritual. Actors dressed as Rama and his brother staged the final moments of the battle, with India's prime minister joining the spectators at a ground in the city and shooting an arrow from a bow.

How it is being reported

• Dussehra: Giant effigies of demons go up in flames in IndiaIndia celebrated Dussehra, or Vijayadashmi, in New Delhi with Ravana effigies set ablaze, fireworks and the prime minister joining the festivities.Euronews · 21 Oct, 18:21
• In pictures: Dussehra celebrated across India as triumph of good over evilThe festival, which commemorates the triumph of good over evil, is celebrated with different rituals across India.BBC World · 20 Oct, 00:04

In this story: India · Ravana · Lord Ram · Durga · Mahishasura · New Delhi · Prayagraj · Uttar Pradesh

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