Indore lights up as Dussehra brings joy under clear skies
As dusk settled over Indore on Thursday, the skies cleared, and the city was illuminated with the glow of hundreds of Ravana effigies set ablaze in celebration of Vijayadashami. The air was filled with the crackling of fireworks, the scent of incense and sweets, and the sounds of devotional songs, as thousands gathered at various locations to witness the symbolic victory of good over evil.
The city had been under a veil of uncertainty throughout the day, as intermittent clouds and scattered showers raised fears of disrupted festivities. But as evening approached, the clouds parted, allowing the long-awaited celebrations to proceed unhindered.
Morning rituals mark the start of festivities
The day began with traditional Shastra Pujan (weapon worship) performed not only by police forces but also by industry owners, vehicle owners, and machinery operators across Indore. At workshops, factories, and car garages, owners and workers gathered to worship their tools and machines, seeking blessings for safety and prosperity.
Mukesh Jain, a workshop owner in Ranipura, said, "Performing puja for our machines is a yearly ritual. These tools are vital to our livelihoods, and Dussehra reminds us to respect and care for them."
Temples and community centres were busy with devotees offering prayers and participating in rituals, underscoring the festival’s blend of spirituality and gratitude.
As dusk settled over Indore on Thursday, the skies cleared, and the city was illuminated with the glow of hundreds of Ravana effigies set ablaze in celebration of Vijayadashami. The air was filled with the crackling of fireworks, the scent of incense and sweets, and the sounds of devotional songs, as thousands gathered at various locations to witness the symbolic victory of good over evil.
The city had been under a veil of uncertainty throughout the day, as intermittent clouds and scattered showers raised fears of disrupted festivities. But as evening approached, the clouds parted, allowing the long-awaited celebrations to proceed unhindered.
Morning rituals mark the start of festivities
The day began with traditional Shastra Pujan (weapon worship) performed not only by police forces but also by industry owners, vehicle owners, and machinery operators across Indore. At workshops, factories, and car garages, owners and workers gathered to worship their tools and machines, seeking blessings for safety and prosperity.
Mukesh Jain, a workshop owner in Ranipura, said, "Performing puja for our machines is a yearly ritual. These tools are vital to our livelihoods, and Dussehra reminds us to respect and care for them."
Temples and community centres were busy with devotees offering prayers and participating in rituals, underscoring the festival’s blend of spirituality and gratitude.
The evening spectacle: Ravana ablaze
As night fell, the city’s major grounds and neighbourhoods transformed into vibrant celebration hubs. The largest Ravana effigy, towering at 111 feet, was set aflame at Dussehra Maidan at 7 p.m., accompanied by the burning of a massive 250-foot replica of Lanka. Spectators cheered as the flames consumed the effigies, punctuated by a dazzling display of fireworks.
Simultaneously, another 111-foot effigy was ignited at Chimanbagh Grounds at 8 p.m., drawing large crowds. Smaller but equally captivating events took place across the city, including at Usha Ganj Cantonment and Cantonment Number 2 School, where a 100-foot Ravana effigy notably “spat” firecrackers from its eyes, delighting children.
Eight-year-old Aarav Sharma exclaimed, "It was amazing! The fire coming from Ravana’s eyes was better than a video game."
In total, over 2,000 Ravana effigies were burned across Indore, ranging from towering monuments in public spaces to smaller models in local colonies and schools.
As night fell, the city’s major grounds and neighbourhoods transformed into vibrant celebration hubs. The largest Ravana effigy, towering at 111 feet, was set aflame at Dussehra Maidan at 7 p.m., accompanied by the burning of a massive 250-foot replica of Lanka. Spectators cheered as the flames consumed the effigies, punctuated by a dazzling display of fireworks.
Simultaneously, another 111-foot effigy was ignited at Chimanbagh Grounds at 8 p.m., drawing large crowds. Smaller but equally captivating events took place across the city, including at Usha Ganj Cantonment and Cantonment Number 2 School, where a 100-foot Ravana effigy notably “spat” firecrackers from its eyes, delighting children.
Eight-year-old Aarav Sharma exclaimed, "It was amazing! The fire coming from Ravana’s eyes was better than a video game."
In total, over 2,000 Ravana effigies were burned across Indore, ranging from towering monuments in public spaces to smaller models in local colonies and schools.
The spirit of celebration
The festival was a sensory feast—children ran with excitement, waving paper swords, while elders joined in prayers and shared stories of past celebrations. Food stalls lined the grounds offering traditional snacks, and cultural performances brought folk music and dance to the streets.
Garba pandals saw their Durga idols cooled with water after the concluding aarti, signalling the end of Navratri festivities, followed by communal feasts and prasad distribution. Volunteers and local committees worked alongside police to ensure smooth crowd management and safety.
Shalini Mehta, a mother of three, reflected, "We were worried about rain all day, but the clear sky made this Dussehra unforgettable for my children."
School teacher Arindam Chattopadhyay added, "This year felt like a return to normal, a chance for the city to reconnect through shared celebration."
The festival was a sensory feast—children ran with excitement, waving paper swords, while elders joined in prayers and shared stories of past celebrations. Food stalls lined the grounds offering traditional snacks, and cultural performances brought folk music and dance to the streets.
Garba pandals saw their Durga idols cooled with water after the concluding aarti, signalling the end of Navratri festivities, followed by communal feasts and prasad distribution. Volunteers and local committees worked alongside police to ensure smooth crowd management and safety.
Shalini Mehta, a mother of three, reflected, "We were worried about rain all day, but the clear sky made this Dussehra unforgettable for my children."
School teacher Arindam Chattopadhyay added, "This year felt like a return to normal, a chance for the city to reconnect through shared celebration."
Ravan is Worshipped as a Deity
While Ravan is widely regarded as a symbol of evil, the Pardesipura area of Indore is home to a unique temple where he is worshipped as a deity. Established on October 10, 2010, the temple attracts both curious visitors and devoted worshippers.
Pandit Mahesh Gohar, who founded the temple, explained that he was inspired by traditions in Mandsaur, where Ravan is revered as a son-in-law due to his wife Mandodari’s origins. He also highlighted beliefs that Ravan is the 10th avatar of Lord Shiva, with Hanuman as the 11th.
While Ravan is widely regarded as a symbol of evil, the Pardesipura area of Indore is home to a unique temple where he is worshipped as a deity. Established on October 10, 2010, the temple attracts both curious visitors and devoted worshippers.
Pandit Mahesh Gohar, who founded the temple, explained that he was inspired by traditions in Mandsaur, where Ravan is revered as a son-in-law due to his wife Mandodari’s origins. He also highlighted beliefs that Ravan is the 10th avatar of Lord Shiva, with Hanuman as the 11th.
Celebration of bravery, courage & devotion
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav took part in the Shastra Pujan ceremony at Indore Police Lines. Amid Vedic chants, he worshipped weapons ranging from traditional swords and spears to modern arms such as AK-47s. Dr. Yadav also inspected the police armoury and was honoured with a guard of honour.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said, "Vijayadashami is not only a festival marking the victory of good over evil but also a celebration of bravery, courage, and devotion to duty. Weapons symbolize discipline and dignity, and it is our responsibility to preserve this tradition."
He urged wider observance of weapon worship across Madhya Pradesh and emphasized the importance of cultural continuity. Additionally, Dr. Yadav visited Nehru Park, where he commended an innovative project producing indigenous diyas from cow dung under the Swadeshi Abhiyan, aiming to promote eco-friendly products ahead of Diwali.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav took part in the Shastra Pujan ceremony at Indore Police Lines. Amid Vedic chants, he worshipped weapons ranging from traditional swords and spears to modern arms such as AK-47s. Dr. Yadav also inspected the police armoury and was honoured with a guard of honour.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said, "Vijayadashami is not only a festival marking the victory of good over evil but also a celebration of bravery, courage, and devotion to duty. Weapons symbolize discipline and dignity, and it is our responsibility to preserve this tradition."
He urged wider observance of weapon worship across Madhya Pradesh and emphasized the importance of cultural continuity. Additionally, Dr. Yadav visited Nehru Park, where he commended an innovative project producing indigenous diyas from cow dung under the Swadeshi Abhiyan, aiming to promote eco-friendly products ahead of Diwali.