In a unique tradition, a temple dedicated to Ravan in Kanpur’s Shivala area opens its doors to devotees only once a year on Vijaya Dashami.

Worshippers offer prayers at the temple from 6 am till 8.30 pm, just before effigies of Ravan are consigned to flames across the city — a symbolism for the victory of good over evil.

“Devotees light mustard-oil diya here and women offer torai (ridge gourd) flowers for marital blessings. In the morning, we celebrate Ravan’s birthday. At night, Lord Ram grants him salvation and Ravan departs for Vaikunth Dham (heaven),” priest Chandan Maurya told PTI.

Locals said thousands of people visit the temple on Vijaya Dashami, paying respect to the very figure who, by evening, is symbolically destroyed through the burning of effigies.

“It is not Ravan himself

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