Ravan Dahan during Dussehra

Effigy of Ravan ready to be burned

As part of Dussehra celebrations in the apartment, Ravan Dahan was performed by the residents.  I am seeing this for the first time since this is more a North Indian tradition.  In Kerala, this day is celebrated as Vijayadashami and terminal of Navarathri festival.  The concept and the focus are totally different from the Dussehra celebrations.  Burning the effigy of Ravan is considered to be symbolic of the triumph of over evil (Ravan) by Ram. Here are some pictures of Ravan Dahan.