Ravan effigies go up in flames in Jammu, Srinagar and districts; Farooq, Sharma call for righteousness, unity and social harmony
Jammu Tawi, October 20: Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, was celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday with traditional gaiety, religious fervour and enthusiastic public participation, as the burning of effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakarn and Meghnad symbolised the triumph of good over evil.
In Jammu, chants of “Jai Shri Ram” reverberated across the city as thousands of people gathered at Parade Ground for the main Vijayadashami function. A grand Ramleela depicting Lord Ram’s victory over Ravan preceded the ceremonial burning of the effigies, which went up in flames amid cheers and fireworks.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and Jammu and Kashmir BJP president and MP Sat Sharma attended the function.
Addressing the gathering, Abdullah said Ravan’s downfall demonstrated how ego and anger could destroy even a highly learned and accomplished person. Recalling that Ravan was well-versed in the Vedas and a great devotee of Lord Shiva, he said pride had ultimately led to his downfall.
Abdullah called upon people to promote love, mutual respect and family values. He also stressed the importance of imparting religious and moral education to children alongside formal education, expressing hope that Jammu and Kashmir would continue to progress through mutual cooperation.
Sat Sharma extended Dussehra greetings and said the festival conveyed the timeless message of truth prevailing over falsehood and good triumphing over evil.
Similar celebrations were organised at Janipur, Sainik Colony and several other localities of Jammu, drawing large crowds.
In Srinagarthousands of people, including Kashmiri Pandits, other local residents and tourists, gathered at the JKCA Practice Ground in Church Lane, also referred to as the Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium venue, for the traditional Ravan Dahan ceremony. The towering effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakarn and Meghnad were set ablaze amid fireworks and loud cheers.
The celebrations were organised by the Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti. Members of the Muslim community also attended the event, reflecting public participation across communities. Sweets were distributed, and the organisers thanked the administration and local residents for their cooperation.
In Pooncha grand Dussehra celebration was held at the Sports Stadium in the presence of MLA Aijaz Ahmed Jan, Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma, SSP Vaibhav Meena, Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik and other civil and police officials. The programme began with a special puja, followed by the burning of Ravan’s effigy. The dignitaries extended greetings and highlighted the festival’s message of unity, peace and cultural harmony.
In Bhaderwahdevotees, residents and visitors participated enthusiastically in the festivities. MLA Daleep Singh Parihar, ADC Sunil Kumar Bhutyal and officers of the civil administration and police attended the celebrations, which highlighted the region’s religious traditions and cultural heritage.
In Kishtwarthousands gathered at the historic Chowgan Grounds for the burning of the effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakarn and Meghnad. MLA Shagun Parihar, Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma, SSP Sunny Gupta, ADC Pawan Kotwal, ACR Idrees Lone, President of the Sanatan Dharma Sabha Mahant Ram Saran Dass Ji Maharaj and other officials and prominent socio-religious personalities attended the event. The Deputy Commissioner also extended festive greetings to staff and their families at the Mini Secretariat.
Dussehra was also celebrated with enthusiasm in Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Katra, Rajouri, Samba, Udhampur and Kathuawith public gatherings, cultural programmes and the traditional burning of effigies.
Several organizations, including the Shri Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), organized traditional Shastra Pujan ceremonies and rallies. The Shri Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha held a Shastra Pujan at Raj Tilak Bhawan in Purani Mandi, Jammu, beginning with a Havan Yajna followed by the ritual worship of weapons.
The RSS organised marches in Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri and Kathua under security arrangements, while its Kishtwar unit conducted Shastra Puja followed by a rally through the main market. Bajrang Dal activists also took out a rally in Jammu, which concluded peacefully.
Across the region, the celebrations reaffirmed the enduring message of Vijayadashami: the ultimate victory of righteousness over evil, the importance of moral values and the need to foster peace, unity and mutual respect in society.