Dussehra fest in New Delhi

India & You

A giant fest… and a giant wheel!

An effigy of Ravana in the centre, with his brothers Meghnath and Kumbhakaran

Thousands of people witness the ‘good win over evil’

Children depicting the story of Ramayana during a play

Is Spiderman a part of the Indian mythology yet?

No evil here, lets hope

Little girl dressed up as an Indian Goddess

During the final announcement to shoo away the negativity

Waiting for the wicked to reduce to ashes

And there you go! Good triumphs over the evil

Dusshera, a major Hindu festival, was celebrated in India on October 11. Festivities begin nine days in advance before the D-day that marks the victory of good over evil. According to the Hindu mythology, Dussehra marks the day when lord Rama beheaded the evil demon Ravana who is described as having ten heads and wished to overpower the almighty. The festival signifies win over ego, cruelty, injustice, lust, anger, greed, pride, jealousy, attachment and selfishness. The essence or spirit of the festival lies in its message – to get past all obstacles and emerge victorious and successful.
After nine days of fasting and celebrating, people burn the effigies of Ravana and his brothers – Meghnath and Kumbhakaran during a fest and wish to emerge as better individuals filled with a sense of gratitude, devotion and reverence.