early times report
Jammu, Oct 13: Marking the victory of righteousness over evil, Dussehra was celebrated across entire Jammu region today with effigies of Ravana along with Kumbhkarna and Meghnath going up in flames, bringing the curtains down on nine day long Ram Lila, performed every night at several places depicting Ramayan (from the birth of Lord Rama to the end of Ravana).
Huge effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarna and brother Meghnath (also known as Inderjeet), symbolising the evils, whose end by Lord Rama and his 'sena' led by Veer Hanuman and Sughreev is celebrated every year as Dussehra, went up in flames as at the stroke of 5.45 pm in the presence of hundreds of people at Parade Ground in the heart of City.
Fire laden arrows were fired in a traditional manner by the youth who acted Lord Rama in Ram Lila on the three evils, sending their effigies, specially erected by the artists from Uttar Pradesh over a period of one month, in flames with the bursting of crackers.
A huge crowd spread over sprawling lawns of Parade Ground, adjoining Sports Club, SRML higher secondary school, Police Control Room and roof tops of all houses, shops and business establishments cheered as the three effigies were burnt and sound of crackers rocked the entire City.
All roads leading to Parade Ground had been closed by the police well before the start of function. Still, hundreds of people travelled to the Ground to watch the victory of truth over evil. Before the 'jhanki' with persons acting as Lord Rama, Lakshman, Sita Mata and Veer Hanuman entered the Parade Ground, it was taken out in different parts of the City.
The main attraction of the day was the function organised at the parade ground.People thronged the venue to watch the effigies of Ravana, Meghnada and Kumbhakarna go up in flames. Many could be seen sitting on top of the vehicles parked near the venue to get a better glimpse of the celebrations. Some of them had also climbed trees.
Extraordinary fireworks were displayed this time at the function.
A similar huge gathering watched the end of Ravana, Kumbhkarna and Meghnath at Dussehra Grounds in Gandhi Nagar. The chariot carrying Lord Rama's character and others was taken out from Luxmi Narayan temple to different parts of Gandhi Nagar before entering famous Dussehra Ground . Minister for Revenue and Relief Raman Bhalla was the chief guest on the occasion .
"The burning of the effigies of the demons clearly signifies that evil has to die. The victory of Lord Rama over the demon king signifies that evil has to end," said Girdhari Lal.
"I brought my son with me so that he could understand the importance of goodness in life", said Bano Devi, who brought her seven-year-old son.
Shouts of cheer from children rent the ground. They had accompanied their parents in large number to witness the show. A girl aged six years was heard asking her father if Ravana was a bad man. Balloon sellers did brisk business.
Reports of the celebration of Dussehra in other parts of the city and nearby districts were also received. Today's celebrations took place amid unprecedented security arrangements." We maintained a tight vigil and it was because of the unprecedented security arrangements that no untoward incident took place during the Dussehra celebration", said a top police officer.
As per the Hindu calendar, Vijaya Dashami marks the victory celebrations of the battle when Goddess Durga kills the demon Mahishasur. It is celebrated in northern India as Dussehra, marking the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana.
Apart from the major Ramlilas performed in the city, effigies were burnt in various parts of the Capital. Towards the evening, city roads were a motorist's nightmare with seemingly endless jams and diversions.
Like in other parts of the country, Amid August 9 episode of Kishtwar communal clashes, people in Kishtwar District celebrated the auspicious festival of Dussehra at Chowghan ground Kishtwar with religious fervor. Large number of people from both the communities, particularly the children's assembled in large number at chowghan ground to witness the traditional ceremony of burning of effigies of Ravan, Kumb Karan and Magnath which symbolizes the victory of good over bad. District administration has also made an elaborated security arrangement to thwart any attempt of mischievous elements to destabilize the peace and tranquility in the District.
Dussehra was celebrated with great enthusiasm and religious fervor at Udhampur this evening at sports stadium, Udhampur. Thousands of people participated in the celebrations where the effigies of Ravana, Kumbkarna and Meghnatha were consigned to flames marking victory of truth over evil.
District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, Mrs. Yasha Mudgal, Ravindra Kumar, IAS Probationer, Additional SP Udhampur, Benam Tosh, President, Dussehra Celebration Committee, Civil Defence Wardens, prominent persons and people in large number were present on the occasion. |
