Why is there a tradition of burning effigies of Ravana on Dussehra and when was the effigy of Ravana burnt for the first time? Learn about the beginning of Ravana Dahan in Ranchi and Delhi, the importance of Vijayadashami and the symbol of the victory of good over evil.
Ravan Dahan First Time: Due to Dussehra, a similar atmosphere is being seen in the whole country at this time. Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated every year on the Dashami date of the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month. On 2 October 2025, Dussehra will be celebrated with great pomp across the country and Ravana will be burnt. On this day, the effigy of Ravana is burnt across the country as a symbol of the victory of truth over untruth. The tradition of Ravana Dahan on Dussehra has been going on in India for many years. But do you know when for the first time Ravana combustion took place? Let’s know.
When was the effigy of Ravana burnt for the first time?
There is no accurate answer when Ravana Dahan took place. However, according to the information, it is believed that the first Ravana Dahan took place in Ranchi in 1948, which was a part of Bihar at that time. This Ravana Dahan was performed by refugee families from Pakistan after partition of India-Pakistan. It is said that Ravana Dahan started from here. The first event of Ravana Dahan was held on October 17, 1953 in Delhi, the capital of India at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.
Why is Dussehra called Vijayadashami?
Dussehra is called Vijayadashami because it is celebrated on the Dashami date of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month. On this day Lord Rama killed Ravana, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Apart from this, on this day Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura, which ended nine days of Navratri and celebrated the tenth day of Vijay. Therefore, ‘Vijayadashami’ means ‘tenth day of victory’.
Also read- Dussehra 2025: Somewhere the shooting of Ravana is shot, these 5 traditions of Dussehra are strange
Why is Ravana Dahan done on Dussehra?
Lord Rama killed the egoistic Ravana on the day of Dussehra. Therefore, this day is celebrated as a symbol of the victory of good over evil. By lighting the effigy of Ravana, people give the message that no matter how big greed, ego, injustice or atrocities are, ultimately the truth of truth is victory. This is the reason that people burnt Ravana on Dussehra.
Also read- Durga Visarjan 2025: Why is immersion done, know what to do and what not to do in Durga immersion
Disclaimer: The information in this article is taken from religious texts, scholars and astrologers. We are just a medium to convey this information to you. Users should consider these information only as information.