Pan-India · October · Vijayadashami
Dussehra
The Victory of Good Over Evil
Tags: Dussehra · Vijayadashami · Ravana · Ram Lila · Mysuru Dasara · Hindu Festivals · Indian Festivals
**Dussehra** marks the culmination of different festival traditions across India.
In many northern communities, the festival is associated with Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. Performances of the **Ram Lila** dramatize episodes from the Ramayana. Large effigies of Ravana and sometimes other characters may be burned.
Ram Lila and Effigy Burning
For weeks leading up to Dussehra, communities across North India stage **Ram Lila** — the theatrical retelling of the Ramayana. Ramnagar's Ram Lila (near Varanasi) is particularly historic.
On Dussehra evening, tall effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnad — stuffed with firecrackers — are set alight in fields and open grounds.
Mysuru Dasara
In Karnataka, **Mysuru Dasara** is one of India's great royal festival traditions.
The illuminated Mysore Palace provides an extraordinary setting. Processions, performances and cultural events connect contemporary celebration with the history of the former Mysore kingdom.
The **Jamboo Savari** — the grand procession featuring a decorated elephant carrying the golden throne — is the highlight of Mysuru Dasara.