The annual Dussehra celebrations saw the burning of Ravana effigies across India this evening. Numerous cities, including Delhi, Patna, and Jammu, hosted events, drawing massive crowds. In Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu attended the Vijayadashami celebrations organized by the Shri Dharmic Leela Committee, symbolically launching an arrow to ignite the Ravana effigy. Despite the ongoing rain in Delhi, a palpable sense of excitement and enthusiasm for Dussehra was evident, with large crowds gathered at the Ravana burning sites. People were seen enjoying the festivities while taking shelter under umbrellas and wearing raincoats.
President Droupadi Murmu noted that humanity thrives on the victory of good. She highlighted the importance of eliminating the demon of terrorism when it attacks humanity, and acknowledged that ‘Operation Sindoor’ by the Indian Army symbolizes the triumph of humanity over the Ravana of terrorism. She expressed gratitude to all warriors protecting India.
Sonia Gandhi at Parade Ground Ramlila
Numerous locations across Delhi hosted Ravana Dahan events. Prominent figures, including Prime Minister Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, were in attendance. At the Nav Shri Dharmic Ramlila Committee’s event at the Lal Qila Parade Ground, a 50-foot Ravana effigy, along with 45-foot Meghnad and Kumbhakaran effigies, was displayed. Sonia Gandhi attended this Ramlila to witness the Ravana Dahan.
Other Cities Join the Celebration
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, also observed Dussehra with the burning of Ravana’s effigy, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu present. CM Sukhu stated that the Dussehra festival is celebrated across the country with joy, signifying the victory of good over evil, and emphasized the importance of adhering to the path of truth. In Dehradun, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Ravana Dahan celebrations. The burning of Ravana effigies also took place in Ludhiana, Punjab, and various cities in Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Prayagraj.
Festivities in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir also marked Dussehra with the burning of the Ravana effigy. The Vijayadashami festival at the Sports Stadium in Udhampur was celebrated with great enthusiasm, drawing thousands of attendees. The event involved burning effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran, and Meghnad, symbolizing the triumph of good.
Ranchi’s Dussehra Observance
In Ranchi, the capital city, a 70-foot Ravana effigy, a 65-foot Kumbhakaran, and a 60-foot Meghnad effigy were burned despite the heavy rainfall. Chief Minister Hemant Soren was the chief guest at the Ravana Dahan program, joined by Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and Ranchi MLA CP Singh. The event featured a fireworks display. A large crowd gathered despite the rain to witness the Ravana Dahan.