Dussehra marks the culmination of Navratri, which is celebrated across India with much enthusiasm. This year, Dussehra is being celebrated today (October 15) with people extending greetings to their friends and relatives. Also celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, the day marks the victory of good over evil. People burn effigies of Ravana on this day across the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami, earlier this morning. "Greetings to everyone on the special occasion of Vijaya Dashami," said PM Modi in a tweet.
In a message on the Dussehra eve, President Ram Nath Kovind yesterday greeted the nation and hoped that the festival will strengthen the moral foundation of the society besides inspiring all to work for nation-building. "This festival inspires us to follow the path of morality, goodness and virtue," said the President.
Here are the updates on Dussehra 2021:
On the occasion of Dussehra, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that he prays to Lord Ram to free humanity from ''Corona Ravan'' amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, reported news agency PTI.
His remarks came after performing ''Ravan Dahan'' at ''Lav Kush Ramlila'' at Red Fort ground today.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, "This festival signifies the victory of good over evil spirits. Due to the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic, large scale gatherings in the city have been restricted. I pray Lord Ram to free us from ''Corona Ravan''. I hope that all the families here live a happy, healthy and prosperous life."
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today extended Vijaya Dashami greetings, saying that everyone's mind is burdened today at the farewell of Goddess Durga. "May the melody of harmony remain intact in Bengal with the blessings of the mother," she said and wished "Happy Vijaya Dashami".
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday extended greetings on Vijaya Dashmi, hoping that the festival brings peace, harmony and prosperity in the country.
"My warm greetings on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami. Dussehra is an occasion to remind us that we need to constantly quell the demonic forces within us and foster goodness and harmony," the Vice President Secretariat tweeted, quoting Mr Naidu.
Home Minister Amit Shah this morning extended greetings on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami. "Hearty wishes to all countrymen on 'Vijayadashmi'. This festival of eternal victory of religion, justice, truth and virtue over unrighteousness, injustice, untruth and tyranny inspires everyone to renounce the evils inside them and walk on the path of humanity," he said in a tweet in Hindi.
Devotees of Lord Jagannath would not get an opportunity to witness the divine trinity's 'Suna Bhesa' (golden attire) on Dussehra this year, due to new regulations in place in view of the COVID-19 situation.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), in its revised standard operating procedures that will come into force from Friday, said that the 12th century shrine will remain closed for nine days for worshipers during the festive season.
Have you ever wondered why Dussehra falls on the 10th day of the month Ashvin? According to Ramayana, it was on this day that Lord Ram defeated Ravan, the king of Lanka. Ravan is also known as Dashmukha, means 10 heads. Read here.
President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday greeted citizens on the eve of Dussehra and hoped that the festival will strengthen the moral foundation of the society besides inspiring all to work for nation-building. Read here.