PM, President burn Ravana effigy during Dussehra celebrations
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakaran ablaze at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on Friday. The burning of the giant effigies since 1924 at one of the city's most high-profile Ramleela events at the grounds opposite the historic Red Fort signifies the triumph of good over evil. PM Modi shared the stage with President Ram Nath Kovind and other leaders.
In another event on Friday, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi participated in the Dussehra celebrations here and fired arrows to set the effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna ablaze.
PM Modi, President Kovind applied ‘Tilak' on the forehead of participants playing the role of Ram, Sita and Lakshman at the stage amid chants of Jai Shree Ram by the audience. Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan and Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari also attended the celebrations. Manmohan Singh, Rahul and Sonia
also applied ‘Tilak' on the forehead of participants playing the role of Ram, Sita and Lakshman at the stage.
Kovind said the festival gives inspiration to lead a honest life. “I want to congratulate the people of the country on the occasion of Vijaydashmi that marks the victory of good over evil. The festival encourages good practices in our lives,” he said. One should take care that the celebrations do not cause pollution and inconvenience to others, he said.