Here's a glimpse of how India celebrated the festival marking the triumph of good over evil.
Dussehra 2025 celebrations witnessed Ravan Dahan ceremonies across India, with massive effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad set ablaze in cities from Amritsar to Patna.
As government-issued guidelines in many places banned large congregations and setting up of fairs or food stalls, the torching of effigies was restricted to very few venues than usual. The Ramleela Maidan at the iconic Red Fort where every year the Dussehra festivities are attended by dignitaries including the prime minister and the President apart from hundreds of common people, was deserted this time as the annual celebrations were cancelled.
Murmu and Modi watched the Ramleela performance depicting end of Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama.
In a rare show of political camaraderie, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former PM Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi came together on one platform to celebrate Dussehra at the Subash Ground in New Delhi.
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A tragic train accident in Amritsar on Friday took a political turn with the Opposition accusing the state's Congress government for lapses in allowing celebrations near railway tracks.
With Dussehra celebrations all set to take place with pomp and show in the national capital, security arrangements have been made to maintain law and order in the city amid the festive fervour.
Acting on the chief minister's directives, Rehabilitation Minister Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria and Health Minister Brahm Mohindra have already rushed to Amritsar to supervise rescue and relief operations.
Modi also asked people to take 10 pledges, including helping at least one poor family to raise its socio-economic status.
At least 300 people were at the spot watching 'Ravan dahan' at a ground near the tracks.
He said four weeks have been given to submit the report to find out who was at fault.
Towering effigies of 10-headed demon king Ravana, his son Meghnad and brother Kumbhakaran crackled in fiery splendour marking the triumph of good over evil as gusto and fervour marked Dussehra festivities across the country.
The probe report, however, gave a 'clean chit' to Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who was the chief guest at the Dussehra event, saying 'she had no role in organising the event'.
Punjab chief minister Capt.Amarinder Singh has announced Rs 5 lakh to kin of each deceased and free treatment to injured in government and private hospitals.
'Nowhere is it written in the Constitution that Ravan's effigy must be burnt.'
'The accident happened because the railway track was at the same level as the ground, so the people walked over it.'
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