East India's Grandest Dussehra Illuminates Kolkata: A Dazzling Spectacle of Good Over Evil

Kolkata, October 2, 2025 – The City of Joy, Kolkata, played host to a magnificent display of faith and culture as the Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad & Sanmarg presented East India’s grandest Dussehra celebration at Central Park, Salt Lake. The 13th edition of the vibrant festival drew an estimated 25,000 devotees and visitors, who gathered to witness the eternal triumph of good over evil.

The centerpiece of the spectacular event was the traditional Ravana Dahan, featuring the dramatic burning of a towering 60-foot Ravana effigy, alongside 50-foot effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhakaran. The pyrotechnic display, complete with a spectacular fire show and an array of cultural performances, left the audience spellbound.

Community, Culture, and Compassion

The celebrations were not just a ritual but a vibrant platform for citizens to embrace Kolkata’s rich cultural spirit while upholding the timeless message of righteousness prevailing over evil.

"Our mission has always been to blend devotion with community service," said Sri. Sanjay Agarwal, President of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad. "Through this festival, we honor the spirit of Dussehra while also using the platform to promote social initiatives, including education, healthcare, and charitable programs for the underprivileged. This is more than just a festival - it is a celebration of culture, unity, and compassion.”

Sri. Lalit Beriwala, Chairman of the Trust Board of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad, emphasized the event's unifying power. “The sight of thousands of people coming together at Central Park to witness the burning of Ravana is not just a ritual, but a unifying experience that binds communities through faith and culture," he stated. “Our aim is to make this festival bigger and more meaningful every year, and to ensure that it continues to inspire future generations with the timeless message of good triumphing over evil.”

A Star-Studded Evening

The grand event was graced by numerous eminent personalities, including Sri. Sujit Bose, Minister of State for Fire; Smt. Krishna Chakraborty, Mayor of Bidhannagar; Sri. Mukesh Kumar, Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar; and celebrated Indian Casting Director and Filmmaker Sri. Mukesh Chhabra. Tollywood stars Smt. Payel Mukherjee and Sri. Sandeep Bhattacharya were also in attendance, along with key dignitaries from the Sansad, including Sri. Pradeep Todi and Sri. Ashok Todi, Managing Director of Lux Cozi.

Sri. Amit Poddar, Secretary of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad, highlighted the festive atmosphere and arrangements. “The Salt Lake Dussehra has become a symbol of Kolkata’s festive spirit and cultural pride," he said. “With extensive safety and seating arrangements, the evening was enjoyed in a joyful, secure, and vibrant atmosphere.”

A Lively Prelude

Setting the tone for the main event, the festivities began on October 1st with the much-awaited Ras Garba & Dandiya Night at the Vidhan Nagar Mela Ground, Central Park. This lively prelude brought together participants to celebrate through the traditional Garba and Dandiya dance forms, fostering an atmosphere of joy, unity, and cultural pride that led into the spectacular Dussehra celebration.