Ravana’s effigy was burned across India this evening, marking Dussehra. Events were held in several cities including Jammu, Delhi, and Patna, with participation from millions. In Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu participated in the Vijayadashami celebrations organized by the Shri Dharmic Leela Committee, symbolically shooting an arrow to initiate the burning of Ravana. Despite the rain in Delhi, there was tremendous enthusiasm for Dussehra, drawing large crowds to the Ravana burning sites. People were seen enjoying the event with umbrellas and raincoats.
President Droupadi Murmu stated that humanity flourishes with the victory of good. She added that it is necessary to eliminate the demon of terrorism when it attacks humanity. She mentioned that ‘Operation Sindoor,’ conducted by the Indian Army, symbolizes the victory of humanity over the Ravana of terrorism and expressed gratitude to every warrior protecting Mother India.
Sonia Gandhi at Parade Ground Ramlila
Ravana Dahan events took place at various locations across Delhi. Prominent political figures, including Prime Minister Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and former Congress President Sonia Gandhi were present. The Nav Shri Dharmic Ramlila Committee, at the Lal Qila Parade Ground, showcased a 50-foot Ravana effigy, along with 45-foot effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhakaran. Sonia Gandhi attended this Ramlila to witness the Ravana Dahan.
Other Cities Celebrate Ravana Dahan
In Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, the Dussehra celebrations included the burning of Ravana’s effigy, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu present. CM Sukhu highlighted that the Dussehra festival is celebrated with joy across the country, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, and encouraged everyone to follow the path of truth. In Dehradun, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the Ravana Dahan program. The burning of Ravana effigies also took place in Ludhiana, Punjab, as well as cities in Uttar Pradesh like Varanasi, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Prayagraj.
Jammu and Kashmir Dussehra Celebrations
Jammu and Kashmir also observed Dussehra with the burning of Ravana’s effigy. The Vijayadashami festival in Udhampur’s Sports Stadium was celebrated with great enthusiasm, with thousands attending the event. Effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran, and Meghnad were burned, representing the victory of good.
Ranchi Dussehra Festivities
In Ranchi, the capital city, a 70-foot Ravana effigy, a 65-foot Kumbhakaran, and a 60-foot Meghnad effigy were burned, despite the heavy rainfall. Chief Minister Hemant Soren attended the Ravana Dahan program as the chief guest, along with Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and Ranchi MLA CP Singh. Fireworks were displayed during the event. Despite the rain, a large crowd gathered to watch the Ravana Dahan program.
