India’s President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their greetings on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashmi, also known as Dussehra, on Saturday. President Murmu, in a post on X, expressed her warm wishes to all Indians, both within the country and abroad. Prime Minister Modi, in his message, wished for victory in all aspects of life for the citizens of India, invoking the blessings of Maa Durga and Lord Shri Ram.
The two dignitaries will be attending the Dussehra programme organized by the Shri Dharmik Leela Committee in Delhi. This event will feature the burning of effigies of Ravana, the demon king who symbolizes evil in Hindu mythology. Dheeraj Dhar Gupta, the General Secretary of the committee, shared that the programme will begin at 5:30 pm on Saturday. The event will also mark the culmination of the Ramleela performances, which have been ongoing for the past 8 to 10 days, marking the 101st year of the tradition.
Enhanced security measures have been implemented for the event, with the Special Protection Group (SPG) taking charge of the Prime Minister’s safety. Rajesh Gehlot, Chairman of the organizing committee, expressed his intention to burn effigies depicting increasing societal sins, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Vijayadashmi, a significant Hindu festival, commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, marking the triumph of good over evil. The burning of effigies of Ravana is a symbolic representation of this victory. The festival also overlaps with Durga Puja, another important celebration honoring the goddess Durga and her victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasur.
Durga Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm, marked by the sounds of ‘dhaak,’ new clothes, and delicious food. The nine-day Navratri festival, observed in other parts of India, focuses on the worship of the nine incarnations of Maa Durga. Devotees engage in fasting, reciting shlokas, wearing new attire, offering bhog, and cleaning their homes during this period, seeking the goddess’s blessings for a prosperous and fulfilling life.
