Ravan Dahan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends Dussehra celebrations at Ram Leela Maidan in Delhi's Dwarka. He is the chief guest of the 11th grand Ramleela of the Shri Ramleela Society in Dwarka, Sector 10. The giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakaran were be ablaze in the presence of Prime Minister Modi on the occasion of Dussehra.
PM Modi addresses the gathering
Addressing a gathering, the Prime Minister extended Navratri and Vijayadashami greetings to the people of the country. He said that the festival symbolises the victory of good over evil.
"This year, we are celebrating Vijayadashami at a time when two months have passed since our successful Chandrayaan mission. On Vijayadashami, there is a tradition of 'Shastra Puja' as well. On Indian soil, weapons are worshipped not to dominate any land but to protect its own land. Our Shakti Puja is not just for us but for the welfare of the entire world," he said.
"We have reached the Moon. We are going to become the world's third largest economy. We entered the new Parliament building just a few weeks ago. To give representation to women power, Parliament has passed 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam'. Today, India is emerging as the world's largest democracy and the most trusted democracy," he said.
Will witness next Ramnavami in Ayodhya
PM Modi said that it is our good fortune that we can see the grand Ram temple being built. "Today, we are fortunate to witness the construction of the grand temple of Lord Ram. It is a sign of victory of our patience. On the next Ram Navami in Ayodhya, the resonance of every note in the Ram Lalla temple will bring joy to the entire world. Only a few months remain before Lord Ram's divine presence is enshrined in the Ram Temple," he said.
He also called for ending distortions like casteism, and regionalism harming harmony in society. "Today, 'Ravan Dahan' shouldn't be about only about burning of an effigy but also about forces which try to divide 'Maa Bharati' in the name of casteism and regionalism," he added.
PM Narendra Modi in a Dussehra speech also urged people to take 10 pledges, including uplifting the socio-economic status of at least one poor family. "The festival of Vijayadashami should also be the festival of victory of patriotism over every evil of the nation. We should take a pledge to end evils and discrimination in the society. We will move forward with new energy and new resolutions on the path of development. We will together make the 'Shreshtha Bharat'!" said the PM.
PM Modi performs puja
Prime Minister Modi was given a traditional welcome by organisers on the dais at the venue, as a sea of crowd waited eagerly to watch 'Lanka Dahan'. Modi was welcomed with a shawl and statue of Ram Durbar, and was also gifted a mace.
PM Modi also performed 'puja' at Dwarka Sector-10 Ram Leela Maidan on the occasion of Dussehra.
PM Modi worshipped artists enacting the roles of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman during Dussehra celebrations at the DDA ground in Dwarka.
Effigies of Ravan, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran have been installed at the ground. As the nation is swamped with the celebration of 'Vijaya Dashmi' or 'Dussehra' today, the national capital is also gearing up for vibrant celebrations.
Vijayadashami
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm across India, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness and truth over malevolence and untruth. It is a time for families to come together, exchange greetings, and partake in various cultural festivities.
Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of Ashwin month in the Hindu calendar. It is believed that on this day Lord Ram had killed Ravan. And not only put forth a path for mankind but also deliver a lesson for ages to remember. This day is also known as Vijayadashami symbolising the victor of the good. On this day people burn the effigies of Ravan along with Meghnath and Kumbhakarna. If you are looking for love-filled messages to send to your relatives and friends on this occasion, then here's something for you.
(With agencies input)
