Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday attended the celebratory burning of Ravan's effigy on the occasion of 'Vijaya Dashmi' at Delhi's Ram Leela Maidan in Dwaraka Sector 10 on Tuesday.
Modi is the chief guest at the 11th grand Ramleela of the Shri Ramleela Society. He will also perform Ravana Dahan.
Prime Minister Modi was given a traditional welcome by organisers on the dais at the venue. He was gifted a shawl, a statue of Ram Durbar and a mace, according to PTI.
"I wish all the countrymen a very happy Navratri and Vijayadashami. The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil," Modi said in his address to the public.
{{/usCountry}}"I wish all the countrymen a very happy Navratri and Vijayadashami. The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil," Modi said in his address to the public.
{{/usCountry}}He also touched upon the Ram Temple in Ayodhya saying that we are fortunate to see its construction after a long wait.
“Today, we are fortunate to see Lord Ram Temple being constructed on Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya after a long wait,” the prime minister said. “It is a sign of victory of our patience.”
Earlier today, Modi extended greetings on Vijaya Dashami, saying that this pious festival marks the end of negative forces and brings the message of embracing the good in life.
“Best wishes to my family members across the country on Vijayadashami. This holy festival brings the message of ending negative forces as well as adopting goodness in life,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Wishing you all a Happy Vijaya Dashami!”
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Parvesh Sahib Singh said that people have travelled from far to attend the Dussehra celebrations at the Ram Leela Maidan.
“We are very happy that PM Modi is coming here. Last time, he had come in 2019, and this time, he accepted our invitation. We extend our gratitude to him for this. People have come here from far away,” Singh was quoted as saying by ANI.
Earlier today, the Delhi Police said that it has tightened security arrangements ahead of Ravana Dahan in the national capital.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Joy Tirkey told ANI that around 1,000 police personnel and additional force have been deployed in the city.
“For the burning of Ravan effigies, police have made detailed arrangements for fire safety hazards, traffic management and public safety,” he said. "Firecrackers are banned, with this police team seized more than 100 kg of firecrackers yesterday. The whole city has been sensitized with regard to security during Dussehra celebrations."
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is celebrated every year at the end of Navaratri. Celebrated as the victory of good over evil, Dussehra commemorates Lord Rama's triumph over demon king Ravana after nine days of intense battle. As per another Hindu legend, the day is celebrated to mark victory of Maa Durga over demon Mahishasur.