Celebrations of Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, which marks the triumph of good over evil and of truth over falsehood and deception, were held all throughout Jammu on Tuesday and were distinguished by religious passion and vivacity.
As the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad, representing ‘bad’ forces, are set ablaze, this joyous event also serves as the climax to the Navratri festival festivities, which have included special prayers, Ramleela, Jagrata, and Jagrans.
Symbolic of justice and truth, Lord Rama destroys “evil” with the unchanging message that “good” will always win.
A huge number of political, social, and religious organisation leaders, as well as prominent personnel of civil and police administration, attended the major celebration in Jammu city, which was held at the Parade.
Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Ravinder Raina, Member of Parliament (MP) Rajinder Sharma, Deputy Mayor Baldev Singh Billawaria, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh, and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu zone Anand Jain were among the many dignitaries in attendance.
The “Lord Ram,” “Sita,” “Lakshman,” “Hanuman,” and “others” effigies were brought to the location from the Raghunath temple and the Deewana Mandir in a “Shobha Yatra” on chariots. The throng assembled to see “Ravan Dahan” greeted them with loud shouts and religious chants, which they enthusiastically returned.
A special pooja was held before the burning of “Lanka” and the effigies. The youngest members of the throng that arrived with their parents and other elders to see the jubilant ‘Ravan Dahan’ were the children.
Jammu-Poonch Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, who was also present among the dignitaries, addressed the media after the Dussehra celebrations concluded, saying, “I convey my congratulations to all the countrymen on the auspicious festival of Vijayadashami. The celebration is a source of motivation for us all since it celebrates the triumph of honesty and integrity over dishonesty and deceit.
He claimed that Lord Rama was born during the Treta era to put an end to the violence that Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarna, and his father Meghnad had sparked. Demons had great power and committed unspeakable acts of violence against innocent humans. They stood for “evil” forces, and when Lord Rama had them all killed, he proved that virtue and truth may always triumph in the end. This leads us along the righteous road,” he said.
‘Ravan Dahan’ celebrations were also held in Gandhinagar and a few other outlying villages in Jammu district.
As they drove home, people munched on sweets, with jalebis and other traditional treats dominating the market. There were several stalls outside the “Dussehra venues” selling traditional gifts and treats, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a street fair.
Jammu area districts outside of Udhampur, Samba, Kathua, Reasi, and Kishtwar also had festivities.
