Giant effigies of demon King Ravana, his son Meghnad and brother Kumbhakaran went up in flames amid deafening sounds marking the triumph of good over evil as gusto marked Dussehra festivities across the country today. Amid beating of drums, devotees, dancing frenziedly, also bid adieu to Goddess Durga as she returned to her Celestial abode. At sundown, the fire crackers-stuffed effigies, dotting grounds and open spaces in villages and towns, blazed and crackled in fiery splendour as crowds burst into cheers.

Dussehra, which also marks the end of scorching summer and heralding of winter, is preceded by nine auspicious days of Navaratri during which devotees pray, fast and feast.

Ramlilas, vivid enactments from the life of Lord Rama, were staged in large parts of the country during the nine days preceding the festival.

In the National Capital, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi were among a large number of dignitaries who watched the evil going up in smoke at the Parade Ground.