Dussehra festivities celebrated all over the country
NEW DELHI: Marking the triumph of good over evil as gusto marked Dussehra festivities across the country on Thursday. Giant effigies of demon King Ravana, his son Meghnad and brother Kumbhakaran went up in flames amid deafening sound of beating of drums, devotees, dancing frenziedly, also bid adieu to Goddess Durga as she returned to her celestial abode.
In the evening the fire crackers-stuffed effigies, dotting grounds and open spaces in villages and towns, blazed and crackled and the crowds burst into cheers.
Dussehra, which also marks the end of scorching summer and heralding of winter, is preceded by nine auspicious days of Navaratri during which devotees pray, fast and feast.
Vivid enactments from the life of Rama were staged as ‘Ramlila’ in different parts of the country during the nine days preceding the festival.
In the national capital, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi were among a large number of dignitaries who watched the evil going up in smoke at the Parade Ground.
Hundreds of idols of Durga, which had adorned the marquees, were immersed in holy rivers by devotees marking the culmination of the festivities.
PM, President, Vice-President and a host of leaders had greeted the country on the festival wishing peace, prosperity and happiness to all.
