Dussehra 2025: Why Some Parts of India Don’t Celebrate Dussehra with Ravana Dahan

Lifestyle News: Dussehra is one of the biggest Hindu festivals in India, celebrated with joy and enthusiasm to mark the victory of good over evil. Every year, huge effigies of Ravana are burnt across the country, and fairs are organised where people of all ages join the celebrations. But did you know there are some places in India where Ravana is not burnt at all? In fact, in some communities, he is worshipped, while in others people even mourn his death. Here’s a look at these unique traditions.

Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh)

In some villages of Mandsaur district, the tradition of not celebrating Dussehra is centuries old. It is believed that the people here claim this place to be the maternal home of Ravana’s wife Mandodari. Therefore, they consider Ravana their son-in-law and see burning his effigy as disrespectful. Instead, they honor Ravana’s devotion to Lord Shiva and observe mourning on this day.

Bisrakh (Uttar Pradesh)

The people of Bisrakh village, located in Gautam Buddha Nagar district, consider themselves descendants of Ravana. According to folklore, this village is the birthplace of Ravana. Hence, on the day of Dussehra, Ravana’s effigy is not burnt here, rather, he is worshipped.

Amravati (Maharashtra)

The tribal communities of the Gadhchouri region in Amravati district consider Ravana to be their ancestor. Their belief is that Ravana was a great scholar and a devotee of Lord Shiva. Therefore, they do not celebrate Dussehra nor do they burn Ravana’s effigy. For them, this day is one of respect and remembrance for Ravana.

Baijnath (Himachal Pradesh)

According to local beliefs of the people of Baijnath, located in Kangra district, Ravana performed penance to Lord Shiva here and pleased him. For this reason, the people here hold reverence for Ravana and do not perform Ravana Dahan on Dussehra. They consider burning Ravana’s effigy to be inauspicious.

Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh)

In some parts of Kakinada city too, reverence for Ravana can be seen. Here, some communities remember Ravana as a great scholar and yogi. Therefore, they do not participate in the celebration of Dussehra nor do they burn Ravana’s effigy.