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IN PHOTOS: Ravan effigies go up in flames as Mumbai celebrates Dussehra 2026

Updated On: 20 October, 2026 10:22 PM IST | Anushree Gaikwad

Mumbai marked Dussehra on Tuesday with effigies of Ravan set ablaze at Chowpatty, Shivaji Park and Azad Maidan as part of the Shree Adarsh Ramleela and Sahitya Kala Mancha Ramleela celebrations, respectively, symbolising the victory of good over evil. (PICS/ ASHISH RAJE and Atul Kamble)

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The burning of Ravan’s effigy on Vijayadashami at Chowpatty. (PICS/ASHISH RAJE AND ATUL KAMBLE)
The burning of Ravan’s effigy on Vijayadashami at Chowpatty. (PICS/ASHISH RAJE AND ATUL KAMBLE)
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The ritual symbolises the triumph of Lord Ram over Ravan, the demon king of Lanka, as narrated in the Hindu epic Ramayana
The ritual symbolises the triumph of Lord Ram over Ravan, the demon king of Lanka, as narrated in the Hindu epic Ramayana
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It also serves as a reminder of the victory of righteousness over evil and the importance of truth and virtue
It also serves as a reminder of the victory of righteousness over evil and the importance of truth and virtue
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The Shree Adarsh Ramleela celebrations at Chowpatty featured the traditional effigy-burning ceremony on the occasion of Dussehra
The Shree Adarsh Ramleela celebrations at Chowpatty featured the traditional effigy-burning ceremony on the occasion of Dussehra
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The ritual is observed in several parts of India, often following performances depicting episodes from the Ramayana, including the battle between Lord Ram and Ravan
The ritual is observed in several parts of India, often following performances depicting episodes from the Ramayana, including the battle between Lord Ram and Ravan
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The burning of the effigy marks the culmination of the celebrations and is watched by devotees and spectators who gather to witness the symbolic victory of good over evil
The burning of the effigy marks the culmination of the celebrations and is watched by devotees and spectators who gather to witness the symbolic victory of good over evil
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Dussehra falls on the 10th day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin and marks the conclusion of Navratri festivities
Dussehra falls on the 10th day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin and marks the conclusion of Navratri festivities
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The festival holds religious and cultural significance for Hindu communities across the country, with celebrations varying from region to region
The festival holds religious and cultural significance for Hindu communities across the country, with celebrations varying from region to region
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Chowpatty, one of Mumbai’s well-known public gathering spots, provided the setting for the Dussehra ritual
Chowpatty, one of Mumbai’s well-known public gathering spots, provided the setting for the Dussehra ritual
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The beachfront has long been associated with major public celebrations and cultural events in the city
The beachfront has long been associated with major public celebrations and cultural events in the city
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An effigy of Ravan was set ablaze at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Tuesday as part of the Sahitya Kala Mancha Ramleela celebrations marking Dussehra
An effigy of Ravan was set ablaze at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Tuesday as part of the Sahitya Kala Mancha Ramleela celebrations marking Dussehra
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The effigy-burning ceremony formed part of the Sahitya Kala Mancha Ramleela programme organised to mark Vijayadashami
The effigy-burning ceremony formed part of the Sahitya Kala Mancha Ramleela programme organised to mark Vijayadashami
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Ramleela performances traditionally depict significant episodes from the Ramayana, including the abduction of Sita by Ravan, Lord Ram’s battle against the demon king and his eventual victory
Ramleela performances traditionally depict significant episodes from the Ramayana, including the abduction of Sita by Ravan, Lord Ram’s battle against the demon king and his eventual victory
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The event added to the city’s Dussehra festivities, with the traditional ritual highlighting the festival’s religious and cultural significance
The event added to the city’s Dussehra festivities, with the traditional ritual highlighting the festival’s religious and cultural significance
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Ramleela celebrations remain an important part of Dussehra traditions, bringing stories from the Ramayana to audiences through theatrical performances and cultural presentations
Ramleela celebrations remain an important part of Dussehra traditions, bringing stories from the Ramayana to audiences through theatrical performances and cultural presentations
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The annual observance helps preserve these traditions while conveying the epic’s enduring message of good prevailing over evil
The annual observance helps preserve these traditions while conveying the epic’s enduring message of good prevailing over evil
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Meanwhile, Shivaji Park in Dadar marked Dussehra with the traditional Ravan Dahan ceremony, bringing the festival’s dramatic finale to one of Mumbai’s prominent public grounds
Meanwhile, Shivaji Park in Dadar marked Dussehra with the traditional Ravan Dahan ceremony, bringing the festival’s dramatic finale to one of Mumbai’s prominent public grounds
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The effigy burning, held alongside a Ramleela performance, carried forward the age-old tradition of celebrating Lord Ram’s victory over Ravan.
The effigy burning, held alongside a Ramleela performance, carried forward the age-old tradition of celebrating Lord Ram’s victory over Ravan.

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