Dussehra Festival

The famous festival of Hindus, Dussehra, in October commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, the monstrous ten-headed king of Lanka or Ceylon, as described in Ramayana, and is celebrated in a very unique way in Almora town. Approximately five to six thousand tourists from the outskirts come to attend the festival in Almora town. Showing the symbolic victory of the truth the effigies of devils are prepared in a very artistic manner in almost all the ‘Mohallas’ (wards) of the town. Finally, at a social gathering, all these effigies are burnt. The festival is generally celebrated in October.  Before burning the effigies, the entire procession is taken out in the city with music bands. It is so famous that tourists from across India and outside the country also visit Almora to see this spectacular moment. This tradition started in 1975 when locals started contributing effigies to other members of Ravana.