&w=1024&resize=1024,0&ssl=1 "People across the country celebrate Dussehra by burning effigies of Ravana News from India")
Dussehra was celebrated across the country on Saturday, with devotees gathering in large numbers to witness the burning of Ravana's effigies, marking a spectacular end to a 10-day festival filled with rituals, songs, dances and processions.
Images of the demon king, his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghna were ignited in flames in an open field and the crowd erupted as fireworks of burning idols lit up the night sky.
Social media platforms were filled with colorful, celebratory posts wishing each other health and happiness.
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President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the function at the Red Fort Parade Ground where they were welcomed by the organizers of the Shree Sikh Leela Committee.
The festival commemorates Lord Rama's defeat of the 10-headed demon king Ravana and symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
Huge Durga Puja pandals were set up with designs based on various innovative themes including politics, paintings and iconic monuments.
The pandals were lavishly decorated and colorfully lit as people came with family and friends to celebrate the festival.
Ram Leela – a theater play based on the life of Lord Rama – was performed in cities, towns and villages, and actors dressed as characters from the Ramayana enacted scenes from the Hindu epic.
However, during the staging of Ram Leela, two dreaded criminals escaped from Haridwar District Jail taking advantage of such a show. A search has been launched to nab Pankaj, who is serving a life sentence for murder, and Rajkumar, who is facing trial.
An incident was also reported from Odisha where gold and silver ornaments worth around Rs 10 lakh were stolen from the Durga Puja pandal at Barundei temple in Jajpur district.
On the occasion, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh performed 'Shastra Puja' (weapon worship) at Sukna military station in West Bengal and stated that the ceremony “clearly indicates that, if necessary, weapons and equipment will be used in full force.” “
“India has never attacked any country out of hatred or contempt. We fight when someone insults or tries to harm our integrity and sovereignty; when there is a war against religion, truth and human values. This is what we inherited. We will continue. preserve this tradition,” Singh said in a statement issued by the Ministry of Defense.
“However, if our interests are threatened, we will not hesitate to take significant steps. “'Shastra Puja' is a clear indication that weapons and equipment will be used in full force if necessary,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed “serious concern” over reports of attacks and thefts during the Durga Puja pandal at the revered Kali temple in Bangladesh and urged Dhaka to ensure the safety of Hindus, all other minorities and their places of worship. in neighboring countries.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said this while addressing the annual RSS rally at Vijayadashmi in Nagpur.
India has become stronger and more respected around the world over the past few years, but sinister plots are testing the country's resolve.
“Everyone believes that over the last few years, India has become stronger and more respected in the world and its credibility has increased. A country becomes great thanks to the national character of its citizens. This year is important as the RSS is entering its centenary, he said.
The RSS chief said that there is tyrannical fundamentalism in Bangladesh. The sword of danger hangs over the heads of minorities, including Hindus. The Hindus now came out to defend themselves, he said. They will need the help of all those who stand for humanity and harmony, especially the Government of India and other Indians around the world.
“Therefore, infiltration from Bangladesh into India and the resulting population imbalance has become a serious problem even among the common people,” Bhagwat said.
“To be disorganized and weak is to invite evildoers to atrocities. Hindus must unite,” he said.
Bhagwat said that the “Deep State”, “Wakism” and “cultural Marxists” have been declared enemies of all cultural traditions.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the RSS members on its foundation day and said that since its inception, the organization has been doing a remarkable job of preserving Indian culture and instilling the spirit of patriotism among the youth.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded by Keshav Boliram Hedgewar in Nagpur on Vijayadashami in 1925.
President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in Dussehra celebrations and witnessed the burning of effigies of demon king Ravana at the Lal Killa Parade Ground on Saturday evening.
The organizers of the Shree Religious Leela Committee formally welcomed the President with 'Trishul' (trident) and 'Gada' (mace) at the hands of the Prime Minister during the Dussehra celebrations.
Bows and arrows were also portrayed as symbols of their “power and good rule.”
Murmu and Modi watched a Ramlila performance depicting the end of Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama.
After these images, Ravana, his son Meghnad and brother Kumbhakarna were cremated amid loud cheers from the crowd.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been modified by Business Standards staff; the rest of the content is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
