From Delhi to Mumbai: Ravan Dahan celebrations on Dussehra! Eight must-visit places to witness the effigy burning

People across India will remain busy with Dussehra or Vijayadashami celebrations today, October 24, Tuesday. The day marks the end of the nine-day Navratri festival and Durga Puja festivities. Ravan Dahan is considered one of the most important rituals of Dussehra which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. 

The burning of an effigy of Ravan takes place at several places in India. The tradition is usually observed with great enthusiasm, great pomp, and show. Some cities are popularly known for Ravan Dahan on Dussehra. Take a look at state-wise Ravan Dahan tradition in India,

1) Delhi: One of the best spots to witness the Dussehra celebrations is on the grounds of the Red Fort in Delhi. The Ravan Dahan is a component of this magnificent festival. 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.

2) Mysuru: In Karnataka, the lavishly decorated Mysore Palace, which is lit up by tens of thousands of lights, is the centerpiece. The festival includes the Ravan Dahan, which is held nearby in a public space and draws both residents and tourists.

3) Ayodhya: Dussehra is celebrated with great fervor here as Ayodhya 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 includes a significant amount of the Ravan Dahan in Ayodhya.

4) Varanasi: 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.

5) Chandigarh: 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 together and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

6) Jaipur: The Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium in Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan, is a premier location to see 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.

7) Mumbai: 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, an official said on Monday.

8) Chhattisgarh: The Dussehra festival 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.’