"Decoding Dussehra: Unveiling the Symbolism Behind the Rituals"

The act of burning effigies on Dussehra symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is a reenactment of the event where Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu in Hinduism, kills the demon king Ravana. The effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnad are burnt to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Ravana, the ten-headed demon king, symbolizes evil and adharma. Each of his ten heads represents a particular evil trait such as lust, anger, greed, delusion, etc. The burning of Ravana's effigy signifies the destruction of these negative traits within us.

Kumbhakarna, Ravana's brother, symbolizes ignorance and laziness. His effigy's burning signifies the eradication of ignorance and the awakening of knowledge and wisdom.

Meghnad, Ravana's son, symbolizes ambition and desire for power. The burning of his effigy represents the destruction of uncontrolled desires and the promotion of self-control and righteousness.

Fire in this context symbolizes purification and transformation. It is believed to burn away all evils and impurities, leading to the emergence of purity and truth.