India Marks Dussehra as Giant Demon Effigies Are Burned in New Delhi

India's capital, New Delhi, hosted celebrations for Dussehra, the Hindu festival of good triumphing over evil, also known as Vijayadashmi. Crowds watched giant effigies of demons burn while fireworks lit up the sky.

What was burned

Three figures went up in flames: the demon king Ravana, his son Meghnad and his brother Kumbhakarna. In Hindu tradition, the ritual recalls the defeat of Ravana by the god Rama.

Performance and the prime minister

Actors dressed as Rama and his brother staged the final moments of the battle. The prime minister joined spectators at a ground in the city and shot an arrow from a bow.

About the festival

Hindus observe nine days of ceremonies, rituals and fasts, which end on the tenth day. The name Vijayadashmi comes from "Vijay", meaning "victory", and "Dashmi", meaning "tenth day".

Public events with burning effigies and fireworks are one of the most visible parts of the festival, bringing spectators together to mark the traditional story of good prevailing over evil. The Delhi event shows how the old tale of Rama and Ravana continues to be presented in public performances and rituals in which actors, crowds and national leaders take part.