Dussehra marks the end of the nine-day Navratri celebrations across India. Also known as Vijayadashmi , it is the day when Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana. Across the country, Dussehra is usually celebrated with Ramleela performances and the burning of Ravana’s effigy, along with his son Meghnad (Indrajit) and brother Kumbhkaran. This ritual symbolises the victory of good over evil. Many of us, as kids, would listen to bedtime stories from our grandmothers explaining that Ravana represents evil, and burning his effigy encourages people to ‘burn’ the evil inside themselves.

But here’s something many people don’t know. There are places in India where Ravana isn’t seen as a villain. In fact, in some communities, he’s actually worshipped. Yes, you read that right!

According to th

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