Ravan Dahan brings Dasara festivities in apartment complexes to fiery end

Bengaluru: Dasara celebrations ended on a high note as the city's apartment complexes came together for the grand finale — the much-anticipated Ravan Dahan (burning of Ravana's effigy) — on Saturday. As towering effigies of Ravana were set ablaze, residents united for an evening filled with celebration, culture, and community spirit.A grand show of Ram Leela and the iconic Ravan Dahan marked the occasion. The Ram Leela performance vividly brought to life the legendary tales from the Ramayana, depicting Lord Ram's journey, his battle with the demon king Ravana, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.The festivities reached their peak with Ravan Dahan, symbolizing the defeat of evil forces. This visual spectacle marked the conclusion of Ram Navami on Saturday.At Prestige Tranquility, Budigere Cross, more than 8,000 residents attended the Ram Leela performance, which featured 145 participants from the community. These weren't professional actors, but working professionals eager to pass on India's rich cultural heritage to the next generation. Jitesh Tibrewal, the event organiser, shared his excitement: "After Ram Leela concluded, we celebrated with a 15ft Ravan Dahan. This was more than just a performance — it was a way for us to keep our traditions alive."Meanwhile, at Prestige Lakeside Habitat in Gunjur, the atmosphere was just as electric. A vibrant procession led to the burning of a towering 30ft effigy of Ravana. Not far away, at Prestige Shantiniketan in Whitefield, there was a beautifully decorated Durga pandal inspired by Bengal's Bishnupur temple architecture on one side, and a 20ft Ravan effigy awaiting its fiery end on the other. The festivities culminated not just with Ravan Dahan but also with the traditional Sindoor Khela, a symbol of unity and joy. Celebrations at Nikoo Homes, Bhartiya City, culminated with Ravan Dahan, after the Durga idol immersion and the final cultural performances on Sunday. More than 1,000 residents gathered to witness the burning of a 7ft effigy of Ravana."Residents, from children to elders, participated enthusiastically, making the event a communal celebration of unity and cultural pride. This year marked the fifth anniversary of Ravan Dahan at Nikoo Homes, and each year, the celebration has grown larger, with more families getting involved," said Saswati Pattnaik, cultural organiser of the complex.
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