Dussehra 2025: World’s Tallest 221-Ft Ravan Effigy to Burn in Kota, PM Modi at Delhi Ramlila, Kullu Festival Begins

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is being celebrated across India today with grand Ramlila performances, effigy burnings, and festive processions. This year’s celebrations are even more special as Kota (Rajasthan) has prepared the world’s tallest Ravan effigy, standing 221 feet high, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in Delhi’s Ramlila festivities. In Himachal Pradesh, the famous Kullu Dussehra festival has also commenced with the arrival of Goddess Hidimba.

Let’s dive into the highlights of Dussehra 2025 celebrations across India.

Significance of Dussehra (Vijayadashami)

• Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil, when Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravan.

• It also signifies the triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura.

• Celebrations differ regionally—effigy burnings in North India, Durga idol immersions in Bengal, and processions in South India.

• Vijayadashami is considered highly auspicious for starting new ventures, buying property, or initiating children’s education (Vidyarambham).

Kota Creates History with the Tallest Ravan Effigy

The spotlight this year is on Kota, Rajasthan, where a 221-foot Ravan effigy has been prepared.

Key Highlights:

• Height: 221 feet (world’s tallest Ravan effigy).

• Cost: ₹44 lakh.

• Records: To be entered into the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records.

• Comparison: Previous record was Delhi’s 210-foot effigy. Chandigarh attempted 221 feet in 2019 but failed.

This spectacular Ravan will be burnt on the evening of Dussehra, attracting thousands of spectators.

PM Narendra Modi to Attend Delhi Ramlila

In Delhi, the Indraprastha Ramlila Committee has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Dussehra celebrations.

• A 72-foot Ravan effigy will be set ablaze.

• The event will include the symbolic enactment of Lord Rama shooting the final arrow at Ravan.

• Delhi’s Ramlila grounds witness massive crowds each year, making it one of the biggest Dussehra attractions in India.

Kullu Dussehra 2025: A Week-Long International Festival

While most parts of India end Dussehra with Ravan Dahan, Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) begins its unique celebration.

• Start: With the departure of Goddess Hidimba’s chariot from Manali.

• Venue: Dhalpur Maidan, Kullu.

• Duration: 7 days of festivities.

• Speciality: No effigy burning of Ravan. Instead, the festival focuses on grand processions, rituals, and cultural programs.

• Declared an international event, Kullu Dussehra attracts tourists from across the world.

State-Wise Dussehra Celebrations in India

Rajasthan

• Kota steals the spotlight with the 221-ft Ravan.

• Other cities like Jaipur and Udaipur host large-scale Ramlilas and fireworks shows.

Delhi & Northern India

• Ramlila grounds in Delhi, Lucknow, and Varanasi witness grand enactments of Ramayana.

• Effigies of Ravan, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are burnt across cities.

Himachal Pradesh

• Kullu Dussehra begins today, unlike other states where celebrations end.

• Thousands of devotees join the religious processions.

Gujarat

• Navratri ends with spectacular Garba dances, followed by Dussehra celebrations.

• Ravan effigies burnt in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat.

West Bengal

• Dussehra coincides with Durga Visarjan (immersion of Durga idols).

• The iconic Sindoor Khela marks the farewell of Goddess Durga.

Telangana & Andhra Pradesh

• Celebrated as Bathukamma festival in Telangana.

• In Andhra, traditional rituals and Ravan Dahan are common.

Karnataka & Tamil Nadu

• In Mysuru, the famous Mysore Dussehra procession is the highlight.

• In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Ayudha Puja with rituals of worshipping tools and weapons.

Economic & Cultural Impact of Dussehra

• Employment Generation: Thousands of artisans, carpenters, and artists work on effigy-making.

• Tourism Boost: Cities like Kota, Delhi, Mysore, and Kullu see massive tourist inflow.

• Cultural Heritage: Ramlila performances keep the epic of Ramayana alive.

• Business Surge: Shopping, festive sales, and markets thrive during Navratri-Dussehra week.

Interesting Facts About Dussehra 2025

• The world’s tallest Ravan effigy is being burnt in Kota at 221 feet.

• Costliest effigies cross ₹40 lakh due to firecrackers and structural designs.

• PM Modi’s presence in Delhi makes the event nationally significant.

• Kullu Dussehra is unique as it celebrates for a week instead of ending on Vijayadashami.

• Effigy burning symbolizes victory of Dharma over Adharma and the destruction of ego.

FAQs on Dussehra 2025

Q1. Why is Dussehra celebrated?
Dussehra marks Lord Rama’s victory over Ravan and Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Q2. Where is the tallest Ravan effigy in 2025?
In Kota, Rajasthan, with a height of 221 feet, the tallest Ravan in the world is being burnt this year.

Q3. Will PM Modi attend Dussehra celebrations?
Yes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is participating in Delhi’s Indraprastha Ramlila, where a 72-ft Ravan will be burnt.

Q4. How is Kullu Dussehra different?
Unlike other states, Kullu Dussehra starts on Vijayadashami and continues for 7 days without Ravan effigy burning.

Q5. What are the major Dussehra celebrations in India?
Kota (Rajasthan), Delhi, Kullu (Himachal), Mysuru (Karnataka), West Bengal (Durga Puja immersion), and Gujarat (Garba-Dussehra).

Conclusion

Dussehra 2025 is being celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm across India. From the world’s tallest 221-ft Ravan effigy in Kota to PM Modi’s participation in Delhi Ramlila and the international Kullu Dussehra, this year’s festivities are truly historic. The festival not only reinforces the message of good triumphing over evil but also boosts tourism, employment, and cultural pride across the nation.

As the skies light up with fireworks and the chants of “Jai Shri Ram” echo, Dussehra reminds us that truth and virtue always prevail over arrogance and evil.