(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
India buzzed with joy and devotion this year as Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, lit up the nation. Thousands flocked to festivals, cheering the dramatic burning of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnatha effigies—a powerful symbol of good triumphing over evil, straight from the epic tale of Lord Rama defeating the demon king.
In New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu joined the vibrant Vijaya Dashami event hosted by the Shri Dharmic Leela Committee. She shared heartfelt greetings, saying humanity shines brightest when good prevails. “Terrorism is like a modern-day Ravana,” she noted, praising the Indian armed forces’ Operation Sindoor as a bold stand against it. “We salute every soldier guarding our Mother India,” she added.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta soaked in the festivities too, attending celebrations at PU Block Ramlila Ground in Pitampura. Across states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh, crowds gathered for lively Ravana Dahan ceremonies, where massive effigies went up in flames to cheers and fireworks.
Even in Jammu and Kashmir, the spirit soared with a grand Ravana Dahan in Srinagar, bringing communities together in a show of unity. In Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu watched the ritual in Shimla. But the real highlight there was Kullu Dussehra, kicking off on Vijayadashami with the arrival of sacred valley deities. Devotees by the thousands joined the colorful Rath Yatra, blending culture and faith in this UNESCO-recognized spectacle.
Down south in Karnataka, Mysuru Dasara stole the show as one of India’s most iconic festivals. This 10-day extravaganza, rooted in royal history, features a glowing palace and dazzling processions. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar were right there, celebrating the state’s pride.
In Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, women added a touching twist with Sindoor Khela before the Durga idol. They smeared vermillion on each other, joyfully bidding farewell to the goddess after her nine-day visit—marking the emotional close of Navratri.
The military got in on the action too. In Jaisalmer, the Border Security Force’s 1055 Artillery Regiment held a traditional Shastra Pooja on Vijayadashami. Soldiers honored their weapons, including those from Operation Sindoor, by offering flowers and chanting Shakti mantras, treating the arms like divine protectors.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami lit up the Parade Ground in Dehradun for local Dussehra events and Ravana Dahan. He wished everyone health, happiness, and prosperity, praying to Lord Ram for a bright path ahead.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chimed in with warm Vijayadashami wishes on X (formerly Twitter). “This festival reminds us of good and truth beating evil every time,” he posted. “May it inspire us all to walk with courage, wisdom, and devotion. Heartfelt greetings to my fellow Indians!”
At its core, Dussehra celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana on the 10th day of Ashvin in the Hindu calendar—usually in September or October. It wraps up the nine-night Navratri worship of Goddess Durga and kicks off Diwali prep 20 days later. From street fairs to family gatherings, the festival unites India in its message of righteousness winning out, with Ravana effigy burnings as the thrilling finale in cities and villages alike.
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