The burning of Ravana’s effigy took place across India this evening as a highlight of the Dussehra festival. Celebrations were held in many cities, including Delhi, Jammu, and Patna, with a huge turnout. In Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu participated in the Vijayadashami celebrations organized by the Shri Dharmic Leela Committee, symbolically launching an arrow to ignite the Ravana effigy. Even with persistent rain in Delhi, the public displayed remarkable enthusiasm for Dussehra, resulting in large crowds at the Ravana burning locations. People were seen enjoying the festivities, equipped with umbrellas and raincoats.
President Droupadi Murmu remarked that the triumph of good is essential for humanity’s progress. She added that eliminating the demon of terrorism when it attacks humanity is crucial. She pointed out that the Indian Army’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ embodies humanity’s victory over the Ravana of terrorism, and expressed gratitude to every soldier defending India.
Sonia Gandhi Attends Ramlila Performance
Numerous Ravana Dahan events were hosted across Delhi. Notable political figures like Prime Minister Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and former Congress President Sonia Gandhi were present. The Nav Shri Dharmic Ramlila Committee, hosting its event at the Lal Qila’s parade ground, set up a 50-foot effigy of Ravana, alongside 45-foot effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhakaran. Sonia Gandhi was among the attendees at this Ramlila to witness the burning of Ravana.
Additional Cities Join in Ravana Dahan
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, held its Ravana effigy burning during Dussehra, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in attendance. CM Sukhu emphasized that the Dussehra festival is a celebration of joy and the triumph of good over evil throughout the country, urging everyone to follow the path of truth. In Dehradun, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Ravana Dahan festivities. Similar celebrations included the burning of Ravana effigies in Ludhiana, Punjab, and several cities in Uttar Pradesh, like Varanasi, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Prayagraj.
Celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir also observed Dussehra with a Ravana effigy burning. The Vijayadashami festival in Udhampur’s Sports Stadium saw great excitement and participation. The event included burning effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran, and Meghnad, symbolizing the triumph of good.
Ranchi’s Celebration
In Ranchi, the capital city, a 70-foot Ravana effigy, a 65-foot Kumbhakaran, and a 60-foot Meghnad effigy were set ablaze despite heavy rainfall. Chief Minister Hemant Soren was the chief guest at the Ravana Dahan event. Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and Ranchi MLA CP Singh also attended. Fireworks were displayed during the event. Despite the rain, a large crowd gathered to witness the Ravana Dahan program.