Dussehra being celebrated across the country with religious fervour today

The festival of Vijayadashmi or Dussehra is being celebrated across the country today. The festival is celebrated to remember Lord Ram's victory over Ravana, marking the triumph of good over evil. The day also marks the culmination of Navratri and Durga Puja.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh will celebrate Dussehra with troops and perform Shastra Puja with them in Arunachal Pradesh today. He arrived in Tezpur yesterday evening and interacted with the troops during the Barakhana organised at 4 Corps headquarters in Tezpur. Mr Singh appreciated the concept of Barakhana, stating that it brings together all ranks to eat together as members of the same family.

The Raksha Mantri described the Indian military as a true example of brotherhood and oneness as they work and stay together in the same barracks and unit, despite being from different states, religions and backgrounds. He commended the efforts of the Armed Forces and their families for their sacrifices and always ensuring the safety of the motherland.

Mr Singh also highlighted that the valour and commitment of Indian soldiers is recognised all over the world. He added that India’s stature has grown on the international stage under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a strong and brave military is one of the main reasons behind that progress. He expressed confidence that India will find itself among the top three economies of the world by 2027.

In Bihar, Dussehra is being celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety. Devotees are offering prayers to goddess Durga at various pandals on the occasion of Vijayadashami to mark the end of the festival. Ravan Vadh, the burning or effigies of Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbkarna is also organized by different committees across the state.

On the occasion of Vijaydashmi the main



function of Ravan Vadh has been organized at historic Gandhi Maidan in the capital city of Patna.

The 70 feet tall effigy of Ravan and other towering effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhkarn will be burnt with great pomp and show and display of firecrackers at the ground.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will inaugurate the function. Elaborate security arrangements have been made in view of huge turnout of the crowd at the venue.

Besides a large number of security personnel 88 magistrates have been deployed on the duty to maintain law and order during the event which is very popular in the state. Vijayadashmi gatherings are also being organised at several place in the state.

 

The immersion of the idols of goddess Durga and other deities will commence with the end of the festival today. Separate artificial ponds have been set up for the immersion of idols after the direction of the state pollution control board. The pollution control board has banned the immersion of idols in Ganga and other rivers. 

In Kerala, devotees are in festive mood as 'Vijayadasami' is being celebrated today. Keralites across the globe celebrate Vijayadashami as the "vidhyarambham" day, the auspicious day for beginning learning in any field.

Thousands of children are being initiated into the world of knowledge today, as part of the tradition of Vidyarambham, in major temples and social and religious institutions. They are made to write letters on plates of rice or sand by elders or prominent people.

Kids are also initiated into various art forms today, the auspicious day of Goddess Saraswathi. Heavy rush is being witnessed from early morning,in major temples like Panachikadu Dakshina Mookambika temple and institutions like Thunchan Parambu.