The Hindu holiday, Dussehra, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Rama, a principal deity, kills Ravana, who has kidnapped Rama’s wife, Sita. Sita is a revered goddess for her virtues of good character, good fortune, success, and happiness. Rama’s skill as an archer brings down not only Ravana but his brother, Kumbhkarna, and his son, Meghnad

I was able to see this story dramatically reenacted with 75-foot-tall effigies made of paper and bamboo and filled with fireworks.

The crowds waited for the symbolic arrows to be shot by someone dressed like Rama. First, the statues of the brother and son burst into flames, completely destroying them.

And then, with the loud crackles and bangs of fireworks, Ravana exploded from within and burst into flames. The crowd of thousands cheered.

Evil was destroyed, and goodness and justice were restored! Spectacular!