A unique tradition in Sahpau town of Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district sees the effigy of demon king Ravan burnt on the Dashami of Chaitra Navratri, unlike most places where it is set ablaze on Dussehra during Sharadiya Navratri.

According to Devendra Kumar Varshney, president of the Ramlila Festival Committee, only Ravan's effigy was burnt on Saturday. "The actor portraying Lord Ram released an 'agnibaan' (arrow of fire), setting the effigy ablaze," he said.