Srinagar/Jammu, September 28 (Vijay Kumar) – It was after a gap of about 20 years that a grand function of Dussehra celebratation was held in the open ground of historic Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) Srinagar in Kashmir on Monday where effigies of Ravana, Khum Karan and Meghnath were burnt in presence of a large number of people drawn from all walks of life particularly Kashmiri Pandits. The jubilant children and youngsters out numbered the people gathered at the TRC to witness the function.
Earlier, to the eruption of militancy in 1990, the Dussehra function used to be held in Huzuri Bagh now renamed as Iqbal Park. The festival symbolizes the universal truth of virtue and righteousness triumphing over the evil and darkness
The function was attended by the Minister of State for Tourism, Housing & Urban development, Nasir Aslam Wani, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Ms Naseem Lanker, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar and Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar.
In Jammu Dussehra was celebrated with religious fervour, gaiety in Parade Parade Ground, here this evening. Thousands of people drawn from all walks of life participated in the function which was organised by Sanatan Dharam Sabha Jammu. In the main function at Parade, the effigies of demon King Ravan, Kumbkaran, Meghnadh and Lanka were burnt
Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand said that Vijay Dashami marking the victory of good over evil. He said though on this day the Lord Rama had achieved victory over Ravana but the day is celebrated to mark the victory of good over the evil.
Tara Chand threw light on the significance of such festivals and said though on this day the Lord Rama had achieved victory over Ravana but the day is celebrated to mark the victory of good over the evil. He said though Lord Rama tried a lot to avert the war with Ravana but the latter turned down his proposals and invited destruction for himself. So this festival has a special message that the evil has to face the destruction at any cost. He, however, regretted that the Maryada (tradition) set by Lord Rama has been broken by our society today as women are facing the atrocities and the violence continues.
The Deputy Chief Minister said India is the land where avtaras, great saints and scholars have taken birth who gave the message of peace, brotherhood and non-violence. Among them Lord Rama, Lord Krishana and Bhagwan Budh have played a remarkable role. He said those adopting the path of Ravan have to meet the same end which he met who despite all comforts and authority at his command could not protect himself at last.
Before torching the effigies the religious Pooja was performed by the Deputy Chief Minister, Mayor JMC Kavinder Gupta, Member Parliament Madan Lal Sharma, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Commissioner JMC Mubarak Singh, President VHP Rama Kant Dubey, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu M. K. Dewadi and other dignitaries who graced the occasion.
First of all, the Lanka was set ablaze which was followed by the burning down of effigies of Meghnadh, Kumbkaran and Ravan, the three spirits representing evil.
Earlier, a Shoba Yatra of Lord Rama was taken out from Dewan Mandir to Parade Ground and to keep the traditions alive the effigies were torched only after the yatra reached the Parade Ground.
Small children from age group of six to 13 years who were participating in Shoba Yatra as Waner Sena added colour to the function.
Elaborate arrangements were made by the Sanatan Dharam Sabha headed by its chief Dharni Dhar Sharma and its team for this year’s celebrations of Dusshera.