Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Oct 24: Dussehra marking victory of good over evil was celebrated with religious fervor and gaiety across Jammu region today with people torching the effigies of demon king Ravana, his brother Kumbkaran and son Meghnath in various functions held across the region.
A grand function was held at Parade Ground here which as usual was jointly organised by Sanatan Dharam Sabha (SDS), Jammu in collaboration with Dharmarth Trust J&K. A large number of people drawn from different parts of Jammu witnessed the torching of demon King, his brother and son besides freeing of Sita Ji from the Ashok Vatika by Ram’s army (Vanar Sena) where she was held captive by Ravana.
Authorities had made elaborate security arrangements at the Parade Ground, its outskirts besides on entire route where from the Rath Yatra was taken out. First the Ashok Vatika was torched which was followed by setting ablaze Meghnath and Kumbkaran and at last Ravan’s effigy was set ablaze. They turned into ashes and fell on ground. There was a deafening sound of crackers as the effigies of Ravana, Kumbkaran and Meghnath as well as Ashoka Vatika was put to fire. Click here to watch video
Earlier, a grand Rath yatra was taken out from SDS Natak Samaj, Dewan Mandir, Pacca Danga which after passing through different markets including Jain Bazar, Purani Mandi and Raghunath Bazar was joined by Lord Ram’s chariot at Raghunath Ji Mandir which was followed by Jhankis of Lord Rama and Laxman, and separate Jhankis of Hanuman Ji and Vanar Sena. The office bearers of Dharmarath Trust also accompanied the Rath Yatra to Parade Ground where first the Sita Ji was liberated from Ashok Vatika and later it was set ablaze. As the Ashok Vatika and demon King and his kin were torched the slogans Jai Sia Ram rent the air.
President of Dharmarth Trust R S Langeh and its general secretary Ashok Kumar Sharma along with other members of the Trust held Pooja of Lord Rama in the temple earlier.
The demon King, his brother and son are the symbols of evil who during their life time thousands of years ago had committed atrocities on innocent people. They made Sita Ji captive and to free her Lord Rama along with his brother Laxman and Lord Hanuman his great devotee raided the Lanka and killed the trio and freed the Sita Ji from their clutches. He also made Vibhishan the brother of Ravan as the King of Lanka who was opposing Ravan for committing sins and atrocities on innocent people, said Prabhat Singh general secretary, Sanatan Dharam Sabha while giving background of the Dussehra festival.
He said the J&K is also grappling with terrorism for over last 30 years and the present Government has taken various proactive steps in eliminating the evil forces from the UT and restore peace where people can feel secure and live a dignified life.
The MP, Jammu-Poonch Parliamentary constituency, Jugal Kishore Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion while Mayor Jammu, Rajinder Sharma was the guest of honour. The function among others was graced by DGP Dilbag Singh, IGP Jammu, Anand Jain, Deputy Mayor, Baldev Singh Billawaria, Maha Mandleshwar , Rameshwar Dass, president SDS, Parshotam Dadichi, BJP J&K president, Ravinder Raina, party general secretary, Ashok Kaul, RSS Prant Karivah, Vikram Sharma, Gagan Ji another leader of Sangh, president Dharmarth Trust R S Langeh and its secretary, Ashok Kumar Sharma.
Speaking to media Jugal Kishore said that Dussehra since times immemorial is celebrated as mark of victory of good over evil. He congratulated countrymen saying this day is an inspiration for us and “we have seen that the demons who had taken the path of Adharma had committed lot of sins and to eliminate them Lord came in the form of human being and eliminated them and freed people from their atrocities”.
Jugal said the Dussehra tells us to take an inspiration from Life of Lord Ram and tread on the path of truth and fight evil forces.
Shri Amar Kshatriya (Rajput) Sabha also celebrated Shashtra Pooja on the occasion of Dussehra at Raj Tilak Bhawan Purani Mandi here,. A grand Poojan of Shastras (arms) was performed on the occasion. Being the traditional festival, all the licensed weapons were cleaned on the day. A Hawan was also performed on the occasion by eminent Pandits. Mangleshwar Singh, general secretary of Sabha highlighted the significance of Dussehra.
Shri Ram Leela Natak Club Dussehra Committee Janipur also organsied a grand function to celebrate Dussehra. Tahir Shah, vice president J&K BJP Minority Morcha was chief guest on the occasion. The effigy of Ravana was torched in presence of hundreds of people who had come to witness the function.
Shaster Poojan was also organised by Yuva Rajput Sabha on the occasion of Vijay Dashmi today in a traditional way in Ram Mandir Bantalab. The Pooja started in the morning with hawan and culminated with prayer. YRS president, Vikram Singh along with his team participated in the function.
In Kashmir, a grand function was held at Sher-e-Kashmir Ground, Church Lane Srinagar. Despite the cold wave a large number of people mostly members of Hindu community including Kashmiri Pandits attended the function this evening. Advisor to Lt Governor, R R Bhatnagar was the chief guest on the occasion.
The effigies of Ravana, Kumbkaran and Megnath symbolizing the evil were torched on the occasion as a mark of victory of good over the evil.
Dussehra festival was also celebrated with religious fervor and gaiety at Polo Ground Leh in Ladakh region today in which the effigies of demon king Ravana , and his brother and son were torched.
A large number of people witnessed the programme including senior officers of the administration and police. The celebrations were organised by Hindu Trust (Maha Sabha) Leh.
Several dignitaries including Pawan Kotwal, Advisor to LG Ladakh, Tashi Gyalson, CEC, LAHDC, Leh, S D Jamwal ADGP, and Santosh Sukhdev DC Leh besides others attended the function.
The reports of Dussehra celebrations also poured from Samba, Kathua, Basohli, Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Poonch.
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