Dussehra celebrations across India took a creative turn this year, with towering Ravana effigies, elaborate fireworks and themes reflecting some of the country’s pressing social issues. From a record-breaking 221-foot-tall Ravana in Delhi to an effigy that cried out ‘Hey Ram’ before going up in flames, here are some of the unique Ravana Dahan celebrations that caught everyone’s attention in 2026.
Unique Ravana Effigies & Creative Dussehra Celebrations Across India
1. Delhi And Panchkula Witness 221-Foot-Tall Ravana Effigies
221 फीट का विशाल रावण और विजयादशमी का भव्य उत्सव! भारतीय संस्कृति की भव्यता और बुराई पर अच्छाई की जीत का शानदार संदेश। https://t.co/6VLhVkVW6b
— vipin talwar (@vipintalwar) October 20, 2026
Delhi’s Dwarka became a major attraction this Dussehra with a massive 221-foot-tall Ravana effigy at Sector 10, roughly the height of a 22-storey building. Panchkula also featured a similarly towering 221-foot structure, making the celebrations stand out for their sheer scale.
Also Read: 10 Dussehra Traditions From Across India That Sound Like They Belong In A Movie
2. Delhi’s 110-Foot Ravana That Chanted ‘Hey Ram’
According to the Dainik Tribune, the historic Luv Kush Ramlila in Delhi added a dramatic touch to its Ravana Dahan celebrations this year. Standing 110 feet tall, the effigy had a rotating sword and glowing eyes. When Lord Ram’s arrow struck it, Ravana appeared to cry out ‘Hey Ram’ before the effigy was set ablaze.
3. Lucknow’s 75-Foot Ravana Features Moving Parts
In Lucknow, a 75-foot-tall Ravana effigy equipped with mechanical moving parts was prepared at the Ramlila grounds. Its contemporary theme added a unique twist to the traditional Ravana Dahan celebrations.
4. ‘Aaj Ka Ravan’ Highlights Fake Medicines
Ravana effigies have traditionally symbolised the victory of good over evil, but some celebrations used the occasion to highlight modern-day problems. The Indraprastha Ramlila Committee in Paschim Vihar, Delhi, introduced a fourth effigy called ‘Aaj Ka Ravan’. The effigy represented the black marketing of medicines, counterfeit drugs and price manipulation, drawing attention to issues that affect consumers.
5. Ravana Dahan In Ludhiana Highlights Drug Abuse
In Ludhiana, Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the Ravana Dahan ceremony at Daresi Ground during his visit to Punjab. The effigy was depicted as a symbol of ‘Chitta’, a term commonly used for a form of illicit drug that has become a major concern in the state.
Also Read: 5 Ramayana-Linked Destinations Every Traveller Should Visit At Least Once
6. Delhi’s ‘Doctor Doom Ravana’ Steals The Spotlight
221 फीट का विशाल रावण और विजयादशमी का भव्य उत्सव! भारतीय संस्कृति की भव्यता और बुराई पर अच्छाई की जीत का शानदार संदेश। https://t.co/6VLhVkVW6b
— vipin talwar (@vipintalwar) October 20, 2026
Delhi’s Dussehra celebrations also featured a themed effigy dubbed ‘Dr Doom Ravana’, which caught attention for its striking design. The unusual take on the traditional Ravana effigy added a pop-culture twist to the festivities, giving people another reason to talk about this year’s creative Ravana Dahan celebrations.
7. Kanpur Keeps Its Ravana Worship Tradition Alive
While many parts of the country marked Dussehra by burning Ravana effigies, a historic tradition continued at Kanpur’s Shivala Temple. The annual practice of worshipping Ravana on Dussehra remained part of the celebrations, offering a different perspective on the festival.
8. Kota Wrestlers Continue A Unique Ravana Dahan Ritual
In Kota, Rajasthan, a distinctive Dussehra tradition involves wrestlers trampling a clay effigy of Ravana under their feet. The ritual, reported by News18, stands apart from the more familiar practice of burning large effigies and reflects the variety of customs associated with the festival across India.
Also Read: 10 Dussehra Celebrations In India That Deserve A Spot On Your Travel Bucket List
From larger-than-life effigies and innovative sound effects to celebrations highlighting social issues, Dussehra 2026 showed how Ravana Dahan continues to evolve while retaining its central message of the victory of good over evil.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/sweet_muffinnn & X/vipintalwar
FAQs
Why is Ravana Dahan performed on Dussehra?
Ravana Dahan involves burning effigies of Ravana, often alongside those of Meghnad and Kumbhakaran, to symbolise the triumph of good over evil.
Are Ravana effigies always burned on Dussehra?
No. While burning Ravana effigies is common in many parts of India, some communities follow different traditions, including worshipping Ravana or performing symbolic rituals.
What is Ravana Dahan?
Ravana Dahan is a traditional Dussehra ritual in which effigies of Ravana are set on fire, often accompanied by fireworks, Ramlila performances and community celebrations.
