Unique Indian traditions involve the worship and mourning of Ravana

Various regions in India observe unique religious traditions during Dussehra that involve the worship or mourning of Ravana, rather than the standard practice of burning his effigy.

In Indore, the Nirala Dham temple features Ravana in a meditative pose before Lord Shiva. The temple houses statues of various Ramayana characters, including Mandodari and Vibhishana, and requires devotees to write ‘Ram’ 108 times before entering. In Kanpur, the 158-year-old Dashanan Temple opens its doors for only 12 hours a year on Vijayadashami, honoring Ravana's scholarship and devotion to Shiva.

In Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, the village of Ravan considers him their village deity. Residents avoid Ravana Dahan, viewing it as inauspicious, and instead perform rituals such as offering oil to his statue. In parts of Rajasthan, certain communities consider Ravana an ancestor. These groups observe mourning rituals, such as performing symbolic ash immersion or changing sacred threads, rather than celebrating the victory of good over evil.