Dussehra celebrated with gaiety

 

 

 

The city celebrated the festival of Vijayadashmi with fervour on Saturday. As the time of Ravan Dahan was close, the denizens of the city thronged Dussehra maidans or the areas where the ceremony was going to take place. Amid large numbers, people echoed religious chants in the glory of Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman. At some places, effigies of demon king Ravan were placed alongside his brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghnad. The effigy burning was accompanied by vibrant fireworks and cultural programmes. At several places, artists were dressed up as Lord Rama, Lord Laxman and Goddess Sita. In the city, such celebrations took place at over 30 prominent places. The largest effigy of Ravan, standing at an impressive 105 feet, was set ablaze at Kolar, while Bittan Market Dussehra Ground witnessed burning of a 54-feet tall Ravan, along with 53-feet tall effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhakarna. Ravan effigy was also burnt at BHEL ground.

 

Shahpura Dussehra Utsav Sanskritik Kalyan Samiti celebrated its 36th year, featuring a 51-feet tall Ravan along with cultural programmes and fireworks. Nagarik Kalyan Samiti hosted a 51-feet tall Ravana, accompanied by a literary programme, while Janashree Lok Kalyan Samiti celebrated its 13th year, featuring a 51-feet tall Ravana, along with cultural programs and fireworks. At Chhola Dussehra Ground, people witnessed the burning of a 51-feet tall Ravan, accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display. Prior to the burning of the effigy, a grand procession was also taken out. As many as four, effigies of the demon king were burnt at Jamboree Ground. Public representatives, including Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, MP Alok Sharma, local MLAs, Mayor Malti Rai and BMC Chairman Kishan Suryavanshi, also participated in programmes.

 

 

An incident was reported at Dussehra Maidan in Bittan Market, where a mentally retarded young man got himself involved in a confrontation with police officers. The dispute arose over a chair, prompting officers on duty to intervene and try to calm the situation. As the officers approached, the young man became agitated and engaged in a scuffle with them. After the altercation, police attempted to take him to the station, during which they were unaware of his mental health issues. The young man’s father, present at the scene, requested the station officer for assistance, explaining that his son was mentally unstable. On hearing this, Inspector Ajay Soni immediately instructed his staff to cease any aggressive action and suggested releasing the young man. The individual had come to watch Ravan Dahan ceremony with his sister and father. In an effort to maintain peace and order, police decided to escort him out of Dussehra Maidan and advised his family to take him home.