India celebrates Dussehra to mark victory of good over evil

New Delhi, Oct 12: Dussehra was celebrated across the country on Saturday with revellers coming out in large numbers to witness the burning of Ravana effigies, marking a spectacular culmination of 10-day of festivities filled with rituals, songs, dance and processions.

Effigies of the demon king, his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnad went up in flames at open grounds with the attending crowds erupting as the firecrackers from the burning effigies illuminated the night sky.

Social media platforms were awash with colourful, celebratory posts with people wishing each other health and happiness.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the festivities at the Red Fort Parade Ground where they were welcomed by the organisers of Sri Dharmik Leela Committee.

The festival celebrates Lord Rama’s vanquishing the 10-headed demon king Ravana, and symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

Huge Durga puja pandals were set up across venues showcasing designs based on a variety of innovative themes including on politics, paintings and iconic monuments.

Pandals were decorated abundantly and lit up colourfully as people came in with families and friends to celebrate the festival.

Ram Leela -- a theatrical performance based on Lord Ram’s life -- was performed in cities, towns and villages, with actors dressing up as characters from the Ramayan and enacting scenes from the Hindu epic.

But two dreaded criminals took advantage of such a performance in the Haridwar district jail and escaped when Ram Leelawas being staged.