Hyderabad celebrates Dasara with prayers, festivities and unusually quiet roads

Burning effigies of Ravana in several parts of Hyderabad attracted people who thronged to witness the spectacle. An artist prepares effigies of the mythical demon king Ravana in Hyderabad. File | Photo credit: RAMAKRISHNA G

From last-minute festive shopping that caused traffic jams in several parts of Hyderabad to near-empty roads on Dasara, the city witnessed a marked change of pace as residents celebrated the festival with prayers, rituals and the promise of new beginnings on Tuesday (October 20, 2026).

With Dasara falling on a Tuesday, the festival also offered many residents a long weekend that brought a brief respite from the usual everyday hustle and bustle of the city.

For many, the celebrations began at home, with prayers to Goddess Durga, flowers decorating doors and families gathering for customary rituals. Several temples across the city, especially those dedicated to Goddess Durga, saw heavy footfall on Tuesday morning as devotees sought blessings. Many also visited temples to perform puja for their vehicles as part of Ayudha Puja, an occasion where people clean and worship tools, equipment and other implements associated with their livelihood.

In the afternoon the focus shifted to the usual sighting of the Palapitta (Indian Roller) which is considered auspicious and believed to bring good luck. People also visited Jammi Chettu sites and exchanged jammi leaves as a symbol of goodwill and prosperity.

While some communities celebrated the occasion by worshiping Goddess Durga, others commemorated Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. The Rava effigy burning events held in several parts of the city attracted people who thronged to witness the spectacle.

For many others, the holiday was an opportunity to meet friends and get out and about without having to deal with Hyderabad’s usual traffic. Since there is significantly less traffic on the roads than on normal weekdays, traveling from one part of the city to another was seamless.

Published – 21 Oct 2026 15:05 IST