Bhubaneswar: Durga Puja festivities came to an end with people across Odisha burning the effigy of demon king Ravana on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami today.
Dusshera is one of the most important festivals and is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil.
As per the mythology, Lord Ram had killed the ten-headed Ravana after a fierce and brutal battle which lasted ten days. It was on the tenth day when Lord Ram defeated Ravana, who had kidnapped goddess Sita.
Crowd in huge numbers witnessed dazzling fireworks at Ravana Podi events organised at different parts of in the twin cities. Elaborate arrangements were made by organisers for the Ravana Podi utsav in different parts of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
In Bhubaneswar, ‘Ravana Podi’ was conducted at Saheed Nagar, Nayapalli, Baramunda and Jharpara.
Cuttack also organised ‘Ravana Dahan’ event with great fanfare. A gigantic effigy of Ravana was set afire at Baliyatra ground on the banks of river Mahanadi.
Elaborate measures were undertaken by Commissionerate Police to maintain law and order as well as regulate traffic at busy junctions in view of huge rush of devotees today.
Similar Ravana Podi events were also organised in Bolangir, Rourkela, Dhenkanal, Sambalpur and other parts of the state.