Srinagar/Jammu: Kashmiri Pandits and other Hindus living in Kashmir on Tuesday celebrated Dussehra, burning large effigies of demon king Ravan, his brother Kumbhakarn and son Meghnad to mark the triumph of good over evil.
Hundreds of people, including tourists, thronged the Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium to celebrate the festival organised by Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti here, officials said.
Giant effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran and Meghnad were set afire at the practice grounds of the cricket stadium amidst thunderous cheers from the people assembled there, the officials said.
A festive atmosphere was witnessed at the venue as firecrackers were burst and sweets distributed among those present there, they added.
A large number of Muslims also witnessed the celebrations, the officials said.
The organisers of the festival thanked the administration and locals for their cooperation.
In Jammu, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and J&K BJP president and MP Sat Sharma attended the main Vijayadashami function at Parade Ground, where a grand Ramleela depicting the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana was staged before the burning of the effigies.
Hundreds of people thronged the venue to witness the celebrations and raised religious slogans as the firecracker-stuffed effigies went up in flames amid cheers.
Speaking at the function, Abdullah recalled the episode of Lord Ram’s return after defeating Ravan and said the demon king’s downfall was a reminder of the consequences of ego and arrogance.
“I am reminded of the time when Bhagwan Ram returned home. Mother asked him, ‘You killed Ravan?’ Ram replied, ‘Mother, I did not kill Ravana. He was killed by ego and anger.”
Asserting that anger and ego consume even godly people, he said, “Ravana was well-versed in all four Vedas. He was a great scholar and also a great devotee of Lord Shiva. But pride and ego entered him, and he believed that he had become invincible. He had to be removed from this world.”
He appealed to people to promote love, mutual respect and family values, and urged parents to impart religious and moral education to their children.
“If we truly want to become good human beings, we must understand our religion. Religion shows us the right path,” he said, adding that children should be taught English, mathematics and other subjects while also being introduced to their religious and cultural traditions.
Abdullah expressed hope that Jammu and Kashmir would prosper and move forward, saying people should support one another to achieve progress.
J&K BJP president and MP Sat Sharma extended Dussehra greetings to the people of Jammu, saying the festival symbolises the victory of truth over falsehood and good over evil.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma said the message of Dussehra remains relevant today, as evils persist both within individuals and in society. He appealed to people to unite and resolve to eradicate these evils by following the ideals represented by Lord Ram.
Dussehra celebrations were held at dozens of locations across Jammu city and other parts of the region, including Doda, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Ramban, Reasi, Katra, Poonch, Rajouri, Samba, Udhampur and Kathua, with large public gatherings and the burning of Ravan effigies. (With inputs from PTI)
