Dussehra ends with ‘triumph of good over evil’

Kanpur: The festival of Dussehra ended with the triumph of Lord Rama over demon king Ravana, marking victory of good over evil. Scores of people thronged various grounds to witness ‘dahan’ of Ravana. While celebrations were held at more than 100 places in the city, the tallest effigy of Ravana was burnt at the Parade ground. The effigies of Ravana were also burnt outside their houses and apartments.The district administration had deployed heavy police force at the Ramlila grounds and other places in the city to ward off any untoward incident. While Ravana’s effigy was burnt at the Parade ground, some people worshipped Ravana at a temple in Shivala area, a few yards away from the Parade ground where the demon king, master of ten disciplines, was seated as a watchman. People performed his `puja' and `aarti' as soon as the doors of the temple opened. After `puja' and `Aarti', the programme of Ravana `darshan' began. The temple priest gave Ravana a bath with fragrant water. A `janeu' (the sacrificial or sacred thread worn by the Brahmin), ceremony also took place. They also lit lamps at the feet of Ravana with a belief that their wishes would be fulfilled. The programme of Ravana ‘darshan’ which began in the morning went on till Ravana was killed by Lord Ram.

Tallest Ravana effigy (171 feet) unveiled in Panchkula for Dussehra celebrations

The tallest Ravana effigy of the year has been unveiled in Panchkula, Haryana, standing at a height of 171 feet. Constructed at a cost of Rs 18 lakh, the creation involved the efforts of around 25-30 laborers over three months. Tejinder Singh Chouhan, known for crafting Ravana idols, expressed excitement about building the world's tallest Ravana. The effigy is equipped with 12 electric points and will be set ablaze on Vijaya Dashmi or Dussehra, which signifies the victory of good over evil.

City prepares for grand Ravana Dahan on Dussehra

Ranchi is preparing for the Ravana Dahan on Dussehra, with effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna, and Meghnad reaching heights of 70ft, 65ft, and 60ft respectively. Chief Minister Hemant Soren will set fire to the effigies. The Punjabi Hindu Biradari, who initiated the tradition in 1948, promises extravagant fireworks by artisan Shekhar Mukherjee. Ambulance services, drinking water, and cultural performances will also be provided during the festivities. Bhangra dance performances and cultural presentations by renowned artists will be part of the celebrations.

No Ramlila, effigy burning in ancient village linked to Ravana

Baragaon village in Baghpat district, India, does not celebrate Dussehra like other nearby hamlets. The village, once known as Ravan, has a connection to the demon king Ravana. According to village elders, Ravana passed through the village while returning from the Himalayas with Shakti, making him the most powerful being. Lord Vishnu disguised as a milkman tricked Ravana into losing the Shakti. The village's history dates back to at least 1,500 BC, and while they don't celebrate Dussehra, they still chant Jai Shri Ram on special occasions.

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