Jammu, Oct 20: The auspicious festival of Vijayadashami (Dussehra) was celebrated with immense devotion, religious fervour and enthusiasm at Parade Ground, Jammu, on Tuesday, under the aegis of Shree Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Jammu and Kashmir.
The dignitaries along with people from diverse sections watched the effigies of demon king Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnad go up in flames – marking the end of “evil forces” by Lord Ram Chandra, accompanied by his sibling Lakshman, Hanuman and others.
Earlier, a Shobha Yatra of Lord Rama, Lakshman, Hanuman and others perched atop chariots, was taken out, passing through various areas of the city, to reach the venue where effigies were installed. Prior to it, special Puja was also performed.
The grand programme, steeped in religious and cultural traditions, was attended by Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president, Sat Sharma, as the chief guest.
Swami Dinesh Bharti Ji Maharaj inaugurated the programme with his divine blessings, inspiring devotees to follow the path of righteousness, truth, moral conduct and humanity.
Adding to the festive fervour and significance to the grand celebration, J&K National Conference president and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, along with party colleagues Ajay Sadhotra and Rattan Lal Gupta, also joined the celebration.
On the occasion, Dr Gautam Mengi, Prant Sanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Mahant Rameshwar Dass Ji of the Purani Mandi Temple were also present.
Jammu West MLA Arvind Gupta and Jammu East MLA Shri Yudhvir Sethi attended the programme as distinguished guests. Tarun Singla, president of the Federation of Industries, Jammu, and eminent educationist Prof (Dr) Ajit Angral were also present on the occasion.
Parshotam Dadhichi, president of Shree Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Jammu and Kashmir, said that Vijayadashami holds immense significance in Indian culture and Sanatan traditions, symbolising the victory of righteousness over unrighteousness, truth over falsehood, and good over evil. He stated that the life of Lord Shri Ram inspires everyone to uphold dignity, dedication to duty, sacrifice, truth and righteousness. He added that the Sabha strives to connect the younger generation with India’s rich cultural heritage, spiritual traditions and moral values through such celebrations. Expressing gratitude to all devotees and distinguished guests, he said that Dussehra provides a sacred opportunity to resolve to eliminate social evils and embrace virtuous conduct.
Sat Sharma, in his address, said that Vijayadashami reinforces the belief that no matter how great the challenges may be, truth, righteousness and justice ultimately prevail. He described the life of Lord Shri Ram as an exemplary model of ideal leadership, duty, sacrifice and public welfare. He emphasised that religious and cultural events play a vital role in strengthening India’s rich cultural heritage and Sanatan traditions while promoting unity, harmony and positive thinking in society. He urged people to adopt the ideals of Lord Shri Ram in their daily lives and work towards strengthening moral values in society.
Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah stressed the importance of vibrant traditions and deep-rooted communal harmony in Jammu. Praying for peace and development of J&K, he said that every religion teaches the path of righteousness. The NC president described unity as the biggest strength of India.
Later, while speaking to media persons, Dr Farooq said that the biggest message of the festival is that truth triumphs over falsehood. Responding to another query, he also asserted that the peaceful protests aligned with the democratic spirits of the country.
Swami Dinesh Bharti said that Vijayadashami is not merely a religious festival but also an occasion for introspection, self-purification and overcoming one’s inner weaknesses. He stated that the life of Lord Shri Ram represents truth, dignity, compassion, sacrifice and unwavering devotion to righteousness. He urged everyone to give up negative qualities and embrace love, service, harmony and humanity.
Dr Gautam Mengi, Prant Sanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, said that Vijayadashami holds special significance in Indian culture and national life. The festival reminds people of their responsibilities towards righteousness, discipline, duty and society.
Arvind Gupta and Yudhvir Sethi also addressed the gathering and shared their views on the significance of Vijayadashami, highlighting the festival’s enduring message of truth, righteousness and the triumph of good over evil. The programme was conducted by Sanjay Gupta. Prabhat Singh Jamwal extended a vote of thanks.
SUMIT BHARGAV FROM RAJOURI REPORTS: Dussehra was celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm across Rajouri and Poonch districts on Tuesday, with festivities held at multiple places and people from all walks of life participating in the celebrations.
The main highlight of the festivities was the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran at various locations, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
In Rajouri, the celebrations took place at Rajouri town, Nowshera, Sunderbani, Kalakote, Kotranka and other places while in Poonch, events were marked in Surankote, Mendhar and Poonch town.
Large numbers of people gathered at the venues to witness the traditional ritual and celebrate the occasion.
Elaborate security arrangements were put in place at various locations to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the celebrations.
Security personnel remained deployed at key venues to manage crowds and maintain law and order.
M M PARVAIZ FROM RAMBAN REPORTS: Vijayadashmi, popularly known as Dussehra, was celebrated with religious fervour and traditional gaiety across Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar districts on Tuesday, with people turning out in large numbers to witness the festivities.
In Ramban, the main celebration was organised at Ram Lila Ground. The highlight of the event was the symbolic burning of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath, signifying the victory of good over evil, righteousness over wrongdoing and truth over falsehood.
Artists portraying Lord Rama and Lakshman set the effigies ablaze by shooting arrows, drawing loud cheers and applause from the gathering. The bursting of firecrackers added to the festive atmosphere as people of different age groups gathered to witness the culmination of the celebrations.
Earlier in the day, RSS volunteers took out a march in the town and later Shastra Poojan (worship of weapons) was performed, followed by Dhwajarohan (flag hoisting) at Higher Secondary school ground.
The rituals were conducted under the aegis of RSS Zila Swayamsevak Sangh Sanchalak Dr Mohan Lal, in keeping with the traditional observances associated with the festival.
The celebrations witnessed participation from people across different age groups and communities, reflecting the spirit of religious devotion and communal harmony. Security arrangements were in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.
Similar celebrations were held in Doda and Kishtwar and other districts of Jammu division, where local committees organised traditional Dussehra programmes featuring the burning of effigies of Ravana and other rituals associated with the festival. The events attracted enthusiastic participation from residents, who joined in celebrating the festival’s message of the triumph of good over evil.
The festival renewed faith in the enduring values of truth, righteousness and justice.
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