Poonch/ Bhaderwah: Dussehra was celebrated across Poonch and Bhaderwah on Tuesday, with large gatherings witnessing religious ceremonies, the burning of Ravana effigies and cultural festivities marking the victory of good over evil.
In Poonch, celebrations were held at the Sports Stadium, where Haveli MLA Aijaz Ahmed Jan, Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Meena joined other civil and police officials.
The programme began with a special pooja, followed by the ceremonial burning of Ravana’s effigy. The gathering drew people from across the district, with officials extending festival greetings and highlighting Dussehra’s message of unity, peace and cultural heritage.
In Bhaderwah, celebrations were held at the New Bus Stand in Kotli, alongside the town’s traditional association with Sehri Bazaar. The venue has also been used for major festivities to accommodate gatherings and facilitate the conduct of events.
The highlight was the burning of large effigies of Ravana and his associates, accompanied by fireworks and traditional arrow-shooting rituals performed by participants portraying Lord Rama.
Bhaderwah MLA Daleep Singh Parihar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sunil Kumar Bhutyal and police officers attended the celebrations. The administration and police made arrangements for security, traffic management, sanitation, electricity and drinking water to ensure the event proceeded peacefully.
