Dussehra Customs and Ravan Worship

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is celebrated on October 2, 2025, across India and beyond with Ramlila performances, effigy burnings, Durga idol immersions and regional processions such as Mysore’s grand festivities. Millions attend open-air Ramlila, fairs and carnivals—where street food and community gatherings are integral—and theatrical enactments often culminate in the burning of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath effigies. Practices vary regionally: Indore’s Pardesipura Ravan temple (established October 10, 2010 by Pandit Mahesh Gohar) draws devotees who collect havan ash, Bisrakh village in Noida—which claims to be Ravana’s birthplace—reveres and mourns him instead of burning his effigy, and a 158-year-old Kanpur temple reportedly opens only on Dussehra to worship Ravana as a learned devotee of Shiva. Commentators and publications highlight Dussehra’s moral lessons—courage, ethics, teamwork and the primacy of knowledge over hubris—and offer cards and messages for sharing those themes. Political and cultural figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and media outlets circulated festival greetings and inspirational messages this year.