Millions mark Dussehra across India

Hindus celebrate the festival of good over evil with processions, prayers and the burning of giant effigies.

Oct 19, 2026

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Millions mark Dussehra across India

Hindus celebrate the festival of good over evil with processions, prayers and the burning of giant effigies.

In brief

Hindus celebrate the festival of good over evil with processions, prayers and the burning of giant effigies. Millions of people across India are celebrating Dussehra, a major Hindu festival marking the triumph of good over evil through processions, prayers and the ceremonial burning of effigies. Originally reported by…

Millions celebrate good over evil

Millions celebrate good over evil

Millions of people across India are marking Dussehra, one of the country's most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, with processions, prayers and the ceremonial burning of giant effigies to symbolise the triumph of good over evil.

Lord Ram's victory over Ravan

The festival commonly marks the deity Lord Ram's victory over the mythological ten-headed king Ravan.

Ramlila performances in northern India

An actor portraying Sita is tended to by a make up artists backstage, with ornate headwear and garments, in Noida last week.

In the days leading up to Dussehra in northern India, performers wear elaborate costumes and make-up to stage Ramlila, the dramatic retelling of the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana.

Burning effigies and carnival atmosphere

The final act of Ramlila is followed by the ritualistic burning of the effigies of Ravan, his brother Kumbhkaran, and son Meghnath.

Durga Puja in eastern India

An aerial view shows people walking through a market with colourful flowers all around, in Bangalore on Monday

In the east and some other parts, as well as among Hindus in Bangladesh, the festival sees devotees worshipping the divine feminine power with Durga Puja celebrations.

Diwali preparations begin

Dussehra marks the beginning of preparations for Diwali, the festival of lights, which is held twenty days later.

The one thing

Millions of people across India are celebrating Dussehra, a major Hindu festival marking the triumph of good over evil through processions, prayers and the ceremonial burning of effigies.

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