Ravan Dahan 2024: Date, Time, and Significance

Ravan Dahan - the grand conclusion of Dussehra - is one of the big Hindu festivals and this year it will be celebrated on October 12, 2024. Dussehra celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, and thus is a reminder that no matter what, good always triumphs over evil. Symbolising Lord Ram's victory over Ravana, each year effigies of Ravana are burnt in different parts of the country (also known as Ravan Dahan) by people celebrating this festival. Read on to learn more about this auspicious festival which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour by Hindus across the world.

When is Ravan Dahan?
As per astrological calculations, Dashami Tithi shall commence on 12th October at 10.58 am and it will end on 13th October at 09.08 am. The Shubh abhisheka of Ravana Dahan shall be performed after sunset and up to 10:33 PM. In crowded cities like Delhi, Jaipur and Varanasi, the events commence at around 6:30 PM and progress with loud music, fireworks and general gaiety.

Why do we burn Ravana effigies on Dusshera?
The destruction of Ravan's idol is not simply an event— rather, it is a ritual that denotes the end of pride, evil, and injustice. In the ancient Indian epic 'Ramayana', it is said that Ravana, the powerful demon king of Lanka, captured Sita as a way to avenge what Lord Ram's brother Laxman did to his sister Surpanakha. This led to Lord Rama ultimately engaging in a battle with Ravana. On the tenth day of the battle, Lord Rama killed Ravana and saved Sita, his wife. In simpler terms, the death of Ravan symbolizes the end of oppression and the return of morality and order in society. And so, Dusshera is celebrated by burning effigies of Ravana.

The rituals and celebrations associated with Dussehra
The observance is an elaborate one in several regions of India. Giant statues of Ravana, accompanied by his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnad are made and packed with fireworks. When they are burnt, it makes a spectacular sight as the sky is brightened by the fireworks. People wait with bated breath and then cheer when the effigies go up in flames since it indicates that all evil and negativity will be eliminated.


In cities like Mysore, Kolkata and Kullu, the Dussehra festival is marked by grand processions, dance and theatre performances especially Ramleela. The festival is filled with energy to the extent that it unites everyone transcending any barriers to rejoice in the triumph over evil.

Regional Variations
Dussehra is celebrated in every nook and corner of India, although regional differences exist in both the manner and the extent of the festival. For instance: Kullu in Himachal Pradesh has a tradition of celebrating Dussehra which is quite different from the others. There is a procession of the local gods and goddesses before an effigy of Ravan is set ablaze. In Kolkata, the main event is Durga Puja, but Ravan Dahan is also observed, with smaller effigies being set on fire.

In Jaipur and Delhi, Ravan Dahan is celebrated with great fanfare in the open places and is often associated with laser shows. Eyes soar to the sky where pyrotechnics illuminate the clouds and this attracts many.

The spiritual essence of Dusshera
Dussehra is much more than mere pomp and show; it is also a period of self-analysis. People revisit the 'Ramayana' and imbibe the lessons learnt from this epic like truth, duty and selflessness in their lives. People not only burn the effigies but also burn their own “Ravanas” – a symbol for negative traits like anger, greed, pride and so forth which a person wishes to conquer. It is also a good time to set new targets, overcome personal conflicts and make a fresh start in life with the ideals of justice and purity.