Hyderabad celebrates Dasara with prayers, festivities and unusually quiet roads

Hyderabad celebrated Dasara with prayers, festivities and surprisingly calm roads. Effigies of the mythical demon king Ravana were set ablaze in various parts of the city, drawing crowds eager to witness the spectacle. Artist Ramakrishna G prepared these effigies in advance, intending to burn them on the final day of the festival, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Numerous temples, especially those dedicated to goddess Durga, saw a surge in visitors on Tuesday morning. Residents engaged in last-minute shopping, causing traffic congestion, but as Dasara progressed, the city experienced a noticeable shift towards quieter streets. The extended weekend afforded by the festival provided a much-needed respite from the city's typical weekday hustle.

Many people started their celebrations at home, offering prayers to goddess Durga, adorning doorways with flowers, and gathering for traditional rituals. Ayudha Puja, an important occasion in which people clean and honor the tools and equipment associated with their livelihoods, saw a large number of devotees visiting temples to perform puja.

As the day progressed, attention shifted to the sighting of the Palapitta (Indian Roller), considered an auspicious sign that brings good fortune. People visited Jammi Chettu sites, exchanging jammi leaves as a gesture of goodwill and prosperity.

While some communities honored goddess Durga, others marked the occasion by celebrating Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Ravana effigy-burning events took place in several parts of the city, attracting spectators eager to partake in the traditional spectacle. For many, the holiday offered a chance to reconnect with friends and explore the city without the usual traffic congestion, making travel between locations a hassle-free experience.