Artisans across India are putting the finishing touches on towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad ahead of the Dussehra festival. From Nagpur, Bhopal and Kanpur to Patna, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Jammu, craftspeople were seen preparing, displaying and selling the effigies in the days leading up to Vijayadashami. The figures will be burnt on the festival's final day, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
A Ramlila committee in Pitampura, Delhi, will burn a 30-foot-tall "cockroach" effigy this year, alongside those of Ravan, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnad. The committee states this symbolises "filth and dirt" and supports the "Swachh Bharat" and "Swachh Delhi" campaigns. This decision comes amidst protests by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in the capital.
Amol Khune, a former associate of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, was allegedly assaulted by a group of youths in Pali village, Beed district, Maharashtra. Khune sustained injuries and claimed the attack was due to his criticism of Jarange and to prevent him from attending a Dussehra rally. Police have detained three suspects and are investigating the incident.
The Delhi High Court is set to hear a plea seeking to stop a protest called by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke at Connaught Place Central Park on October 16. The plea highlights the disruption caused by such protests, especially during the Dussehra weekend. Dipke's call for protest follows the judicial custody of two CJP members for alleged peace bond violations and trespassing.
Automobile dealers in India are reporting healthy bookings ahead of Navratri and Dussehra, with the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (Fada) indicating strong confidence in a pickup in deliveries from mid-October, despite a high base from last year's GST-led surge.
'I've never been conscious of my looks. Even in my heydays, I never looked at myself and gasped, 'My God, what a beauty'.'
Some people leave behind a business. A rare few leave behind a place in people's hearts. Appa leaves behind both.
Ramlila Maidan, recently designated as one of Delhi's new protest sites, is proving to be a costly and difficult option for demonstrators. With no free dates for the next two and a half months and booking fees exceeding Rs 1 lakh, it contrasts sharply with the previously free Jantar Mantar. The ground, rich in political history, also poses logistical challenges due to its busy commercial location and impact on traffic.
Digital services major Jio Platforms is anticipated to list on the stock exchange by the end of October, with an estimated enterprise valuation of USD 143-146 billion, making it India's largest public offer at around USD 3.8 billion.
The Delhi High Court refused to issue an injunction to stop a protest by the CJP at Connaught Place Central Park on October 16, accepting the police's assurance to regulate the activity. A vendor had sought to regulate the protest, citing potential business losses during the festive season.
Nayyi Navelli is a chaotic and forgettable cinematic experience, struggling to blend mythological, horror, and social commentary into a cohesive narrative, observes Sukanya Verma.
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare has called for a CBI probe into the murder of party leader Pradeep Purnekar in Thane, alleging it was a contract killing and citing potential political pressure on local police. Opposition parties have also announced a protest march to the Thane police commissioner's office, while Shiv Sena MP Jyoti Waghmare accused opposition leaders of politicising the tragedy. Police have made arrests in connection with the murder.
Yami Gautam turns Nayyi Navelli into a colourful supernatural ride, but the film's lavish trailer launch may have been even more dramatic than its trailer.
Young Indian compound archer Chikitha Taniparthi clinched two gold medals at her Asian Games debut, fulfilling her father's long-held dream for her to pursue sports. Her journey involved significant financial sacrifices from her family and dedicated training, overcoming initial interest in karate to become a world youth champion and now a double Asian Games gold medallist.
The Maharashtra government has declared 265 out of 358 talukas as drought-affected, covering 74% of the state, due to significant rainfall deficit. This declaration activates 'Trigger-1' of the state's drought management framework, leading to the announcement of various relief measures for farmers and residents, including loan restructuring, revenue concessions, and provisions for water and fodder.
Leading appliance and consumer electronics manufacturers are set to increase prices of air conditioners, LED TVs, washing machines, and other products by 5 to 8 per cent from October 1, citing rising input costs for metals like copper and steel, crude derivatives, and currency exchange volatility due to the West Asia crisis.
Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced a permanent, year-round food safety calendar to ensure public health during major festivals. This first-of-its-kind initiative categorises festivals into three levels and implements a four-stage inspection mechanism, focusing on preventing adulteration and unsafe food practices for high-demand products like sweets, dairy, and edible oils.
The Indian government has imposed stockholding limits on bulk sugar consumers, restricting them to a 15-day supply if they use over 10 tonnes monthly, effective September 1 to November 30, to stabilise prices ahead of the festival season.
Babita Singh Reporting goes past the messy homes and humming markets to reflect the daredevilry of a protagonist coming into her own. What ensues is a raw and thrilling marriage of momentum and meltdown across awkward inquiries made within junkie hideouts, suspicious relatives, battered classmates and Ravan's effigy, applauds Sukanya Verma.
These traditions have survived centuries, even as India has changed dramatically around them.
When the effigies finally go up in flames, the spectacle is more than just entertainment, it is a collective reaffirmation of faith, morality, and the age-old belief that righteousness will always prevail.
Maharashtra BJP's chief spokesperson Keshav Upadhye has called on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to cancel his party's annual Dussehra rally and instead use the funds to provide relief to flood victims in the Marathwada region. Upadhye criticized Thackeray's past performance as chief minister and suggested that canceling the rally would demonstrate genuine concern for the affected population.
The second season of the Archery Premier League (APL) will be held in Hyderabad from October 8-18, featuring 48 Indian and international archers across six franchises. The tournament aims to bolster India's Olympic medal prospects in archery.
To make sure your fashion game is on point for Dussehra, Namrata Thakker brings you all the inspiration you need to look absolutely FABULOUS just like your favourite stars.
Pakistan's Punjab government has approved a plan to restore the names of several streets and roads in Lahore, aiming to revive the city's pre-Partition heritage, an official said on Monday.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticized the BJP over the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and accused the party of corruption and divisive politics during his Dussehra rally.
A social organisation in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, staged a controversial protest during 'Holika Dahan', burning pictures of 11 women accused of murdering children, prompting a police investigation.
Glimpses of Prime Minister Narendra Modi participating in the Durga Puja celebrations at Chittaranjan Park in New Delhi on the occasion of Maha Ashtami on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
The respective Dussehra rallies of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray were once again about whose version of Hindutva is genuine and who is the true inheritor of party patriarch Bala Thackeray's legacy.
Unexpected rains across North India have devastated the Ravana effigy market, leaving artisans facing significant financial losses as their creations are damaged beyond repair. They appeal for government assistance.
Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, Mithali Raj, Surya Kumar Yadav among others tweeted their wishes for Dussehra.
Accessories, hair add-ons, even your nails -- that's where the fun begins. And who better to take inspo from than our Bollywood favourites?
Devotees gathered in Varanasi, Prayagraj, Patna, Moradabad, Haridwar, Agra and Kolkata on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, June 9, 2022.
During the Mysuru Dasara 2025 celebrations on Thursday, October 2, a spectacular drone show captivated audiences, while President Murmu marked Dussehra with her presence at the Shri Dharmik Leela in Delhi.
The Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde has decided to withdraw its application submitted to the Mumbai civic body seeking permission to hold a rally on Dussehra at the iconic Shivaji Park ground in Mumbai, a party MLA said on Tuesday afternoon.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has strongly protested about the controversial model-actress Poonam Pandey portraying Ravana's wife Mandodari in Delhi's UNESCO-endorsed Ram Leela.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray criticizes Devendra Fadnavis, accusing him of being a 'helpless' chief minister unable to tackle corruption. He also attacks the BJP for divisive politics and failing to address key issues.
How many of these looks will you add to your festive wardrobe?
Shiv Sena leader and former MP Rahul Shewale said around 2 lakh people are expected to attend the rally at Azad Maidan to hear the CM.
