Dussehra is a festival to mark the victory of goodness over evil. On this day Lord Rama had slained the demon King Ravana.

Before Dussehra day, for ten days people enact the drama of Ramayana on stage in public grounds, streets and roads at night. It is popularly known as Ramlila, the saga of Lord Rama.

In Ramlilas actors take part and for a few days they become like real characters. It gives them a great feeling.

Huge effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnada are erected in public grounds. They are stuffed with fireworks and crackers. In the evening before huge public gatherings the effigies are set on fire. They burn, burst and explode to the thunderous cheer of the people.

In Bengal Dussehra is celebrated as Durga Pooja. Huge idols of Goddess Durga are installed in decorated pandals (tents) where people make obeisance to the Goddess. On the last day, the idols are immersed into sea or rivers.