Updated. Oct. 24, 2023. 2.10 PM.
The festival of Vijayadashmi or Dussehra is being celebrated across the country today. The festival is celebrated to remember Lord Ram’s victory over Ravana, marking the triumph of good over evil. The day also marks the culmination of Navratri and Durga Puja.
President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar have extended their warm greetings and good wishes to the people on the occasion of Dussehra. In her message, the President said, the festival of Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil.
She added that the eastern and southern states celebrate Dussehra as the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil demon Mahishasura while northern and western states celebrate this festival as Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.
The President said that Dussehra teaches people to get rid of ego and negativity which symbolize ‘evil’, and embrace the feelings of oneness and love for all which symbolize ‘good’. She added that the values of Lord Rama inspire to walk on the path of Dharma despite the harshest tests and adversities of life.
President Murmu urged the people to work together for the prosperity of the country and well-being of all and specially the underprivileged ones.
Vice-President Dhankhar in his message said that Dussehra is an occasion to reaffirm our faith in righteousness, and to imbibe and cherish values of truth, justice, compassion and courage. He wished the festival brings peace, prosperity and harmony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the nation on the occasion of Dussehra. In a social media post, Mr Modi said, best wishes to my family members across the country on Vijayadashami. He wished this holy festival brings the message of ending negative forces as well as adopting goodness in life.
Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his greetings on the occasion. In his message, Mr Shah said, no matter how dense the darkness of unrighteousness is, the victory of the light of righteousness based on truth is eternal. He said, symbolic of the victory of virtue over sin, Vijayadashami is a festival that inspires and teaches us to always follow the path of wisdom and truth. Mr Shah wished, may Lord Shri Ram bless everyone.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has greeted the people on the occasion of Dussehra. In a message, the Lt Governor said the festival of Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, marks the triumph of righteousness over evil and inspires the people to lead a pious and virtuous life by following high moral values and right conduct of Maryada Purushottam Lord Ram. Mr Sinha wished that the festival usher in happiness, prosperity and well-being of the whole mankind.
In Bihar, Dussehra is being celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety. Devotees are offering prayers to goddess Durga at various pandals on the occasion of Vijayadashami to mark the end of the festival. Ravan Vadh, the burning or effigies of Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbkarna is also organized by different committees across the state.
Akashvani correspondent reports, On the occasion of Vijaydashmi the main function of Ravan Vadh has been organized at historic Gandhi Maidan in the capital city of Patna.
The 70 feet tall effigy of Ravan and other towering effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhkarn will be burnt with great pomp and show and display of firecrackers at the ground.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will inaugurate the function. Elaborate security arrangements have been made in view of huge turnout of the crowd at the venue.
Besides a large number of security personnel 88 magistrates have been deployed on the duty to maintain law and order during the event which is very popular in the state. Vijayadashmi gatherings are also being organised at several place in the state.
The immersion of the idols of goddess Durga and other deities will commence with the end of the festival today. Separate artificial ponds have been set up for the immersion of idols after the direction of the state pollution control board. The pollution control board has banned the immersion of idols in Ganga and other rivers.
In Kerala, devotees are in festive mood as ‘Vijayadasami’ is being celebrated today. Keralites across the globe celebrate Vijayadashami as the “vidhyarambham” day, the auspicious day for beginning learning in any field.
Akashvani correspondent reports, thousands of children are being initiated into the world of knowledge today, as part of the tradition of Vidyarambham, in major temples and social and religious institutions. They are made to write letters on plates of rice or sand by elders or prominent people.
Kids are also initiated into various art forms today, the auspicious day of Goddess Saraswathi. Heavy rush is being witnessed from early morning,in major temples like Panachikadu Dakshina Mookambika temple and institutions like Thunchan Parambu.
In West Bengal, the five day long Durga Puja Festival draws to a close today with the immersion of idols in the rivers or other water bodies after Sindoor Khela and Dhunuchi Nach.
Other rituals of the day are being performed before the immersion of the idols. After the immersion of idols, people will exchange sweets and greetings on the occasion of Bijoya Dashami.
The festival of Dusshehra is being celebrated across Haryana with great fervor today. In the Shalimaar ground of Panchkula, the tallest 171 feet effigy of Ravana will be burnt in the evening, which has been erected at a cost of around 20 lakh rupees.
The eco-friendly crackers especially brought from Tamilnadu have been filled in it. In view of heavy rush, the Panchkula administration has diverted certain routes. There are news of performing of Havan Yagya on the occasion of Dusseehra in the morning from various districts of the state.