Religious fervour marks Vijayadashami celebration across Jammu

Jammu, Oct 24: Religious fervour, vivacity marked celebrations of Dussehra, also referred to as Vijayadashami- symbolising victory of good over evil and that of truth over lie and deceit, across Jammu on Tuesday.

The auspicious occasion also marks the culmination of Navratri festival celebrations – encompassing special prayers, Ramleela, Jagrata and Jagrans- as the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad – symbolising ‘evil’ forces go up in flames.

Lord Rama, symbolising righteousness and truth, eliminates ‘evil’ with an everlasting message – Truth and good always prevail.

In Jammu city, the main function, held at Parade, was witnessed by an impressive crowd led by a large number of dignitaries from political, social and religious organisations, besides senior officers of civil and police administration.

Among the prominent dignitaries present on the occasion included Member Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma; J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina; Mayor Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) Rajinder Sharma; Deputy Mayor Baldev Singh Billawaria; Director General of Police Dilbag Singh and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu zone Anand Jain besides others.

Earlier, the characters playing “Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman and others”, perched atop chariots in the form of “Shobha Yatra” from Raghunath temple and Deewana Mandir, reached the venue where effigies were installed. They were received by the enthusiastic crowd gathered to witness “Ravan Dahan” with loud cheers and religious slogans.

Before the burning of “Lanka” and the effigies, special puja was also performed. Children formed the most enthusiastic crowd gathered with their parents and other elders to witness ‘Ravan Dahan’ amid cheers.

After Dussehra festivity was over, Jammu-Poonch Member Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, who too was among the dignitaries present on the occasion, while speaking to media persons, said, “I extend my greetings to all the countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami. The festival is an inspiration for all of us as it marks the victory of truth over falsehood, deception and that of virtues over vices.”

He said that Lord Rama took birth during the Treta era to end the reign of terror perpetuated by the demon king Ravana and his kin Kumbhkarna and Meghnad. “The demons were powerful and they were using their power to commit atrocities on people. They were representing “evil” powers and were finally eliminated by Lord Rama – demonstrating that good and truth always prevail over evil. This guides us to follow the virtuous path,” he said.

Outside Jammu city, similar ‘Ravan Dahan’ ceremonies were performed at Gandhinagar and several other areas in outskirts.

People returned home while savouring sweets, generally dominated by traditional delicacies, mainly Jalebis. It was fair-like ambience prevailing outside “Dussehra venues”, with a large number of vendors selling traditional toys and delicacies.

Similar celebrations were witnessed in other districts of Jammu region, including Udhampur, Samba, Kathua, Reasi and Kishtwar.