Triumph of Good Over Evil: India Marks Dussehra with Splendor, Rains Add a Twist

India came alive with colors, devotion, and festive fervor as Dussehra, the festival symbolizing the victory of good over evil, was celebrated across states. From effigy burnings of Ravana to vibrant processions and cultural performances, the spirit of the festival remained unshaken, though heavy rains dampened celebrations in parts of the country.

Key highlights of the celebrations
 • Major cities like Delhi, Varanasi, and Mysuru witnessed grand Dussehra festivities, with decorated grounds, illuminated streets, and lakhs of people joining the processions.
 • In Kolkata, the festival overlapped with Durga Puja immersions, turning the city into a cultural spectacle of lights, music, and rituals.
 • Several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka, organized large-scale Ram Leela performances, recreating scenes from the Ramayana before the symbolic burning of Ravana’s effigies.
 • President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings, calling the festival a reminder of courage, truth, and resilience.

Rain puts a damper in some regions
 • Northern states like Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh reported heavy rainfall, disrupting outdoor events and leading to smaller gatherings in several towns.
 • Despite weather interruptions, local communities adapted by shifting celebrations indoors or postponing certain programs.

Cultural significance and unity
 • Dussehra is not only a festival of mythology but also a reminder of collective spirit and unity. Each region brings its own flavor—from Mysuru’s royal processions to Delhi’s iconic Ram Leelas—turning the day into a nationwide celebration of tradition and triumph.

As the effigies turned to ashes, India once again renewed its belief in the timeless message: light always conquers darkness.

Source: The Hindu, Times of India, Hindustan Times