Millions across India mark Dussehra with prayers, plays and effigy burnings

Millions of people across India are marking Dussehra on Monday, 19 October, one of Hinduism's most widely celebrated festivals. The Central Government's official calendar lists the holiday on that date for 2026. Press Information Bureau

Celebrations include processions, prayers and the ceremonial burning of giant effigies to symbolise the triumph of good over evil. Firecrackers are often set off around the burning figures as crowds gather to watch. BBC

Dussehra most commonly marks the victory of Lord Ram over Ravan, the mythological 10-headed king. It coincides with Vijayadashami, observed in eastern, southern and other parts of the country to honour the goddess Durga slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

The festival falls on the 10th day after Navratri, a nine-night period of worship and celebration under the Hindu lunar calendar. In northern India, the days leading up to Dussehra are marked by Ramlila, open-air plays that retell the Ramayana, the ancient Hindu epic.

Ramlila recounts Lord Ram's exile and the abduction of his wife Sita by Ravan, ending in a battle that stands for the victory of good over evil. The final act is followed by the ritual burning of effigies of Ravan, his brother Kumbhkaran and his son Meghnath.

In eastern India and among Hindus in Bangladesh, the same festival period includes Durga Puja, worship centred on divine feminine power. Devotees gather at temporary structures known as pandals, which house idols of Durga and other deities. Durga is often shown slaying Mahishasura.

Dussehra also marks the start of preparations for Diwali, the festival of lights, which is held 20 days later.