SRINAGAR: In order to review the arrangements for smooth celebration of the upcoming Dussehra festival, also known as Vijay Dashmi, marking the victory of good over evil, a meeting was held today under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz here at Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex.
The festival is celebrated as the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. It also celebrates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
In many places, the effigies of Ravana are burned on this day to signify the destruction of evil, along with fireworks. Dussehra is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Ashvina (September–October), the seventh month of the Hindu calendar, with the appearance of the full moon, an event called the “bright fortnight” (shukla paksha).
Besides, Additional District Development Commissioner, Zahoor Ahmad Mir and Additional Deputy Commissioner, Syed Ahmad Kataria, the meeting was attended by the Regional Director Pollution Control Board, Sub Divisional Magistrate, East, Chief Medical Officer, Executive Engineer PHE, Deputy Director Fire & Emergency Services, Assistant Controller Legal Metrology, Tehsildar South, assistant director Planning and representatives of Dussehra Festival Organizing NGOs.
At the outset, the DC took a detailed appraisal of the arrangements to be made by different Departments for smooth celebration of Dussehra celebrations in the District.
The representatives of Dussehra Festival Organizing NGOs who were present in the meeting briefed the Deputy Commissioner about the requirements for the occasion.
A detailed discussion was held on various aspects of the arrangements including security measures, traffic management, parking facility, first-aid services, sanitation, availability of fire tenders, route plan for Jhanki procession, finalization of proposed place where effigy will be burnt on Dussehra, etc.
After listening to the demands of the representatives, the Deputy Commissioner assured them of all possible support from the District Administration.
He also issued on-the-spot directions to the concerned Departments for making comprehensive arrangements for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival.
On the occasion, the DC stressed on making adequate security arrangements in and around the venue for the Dussehra Festival scheduled to be celebrated on October 24, 2023.
The Traffic Department was asked to prepare a workable Traffic Route Plan and parking arrangements to avoid any traffic jams during the Jhanki procession.
Similarly, the Health Department was asked to keep a mobile van for the first aid facility to manage any medical emergency on the occasion.
The DC also asked for the stationing of a Fire Tender near the venue on the Dussehra occasion.
During the meeting, the stress was also laid on using eco-friendly (Green) firecrackers as per the National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines to maintain a clean air regime in the district.
