Delhi celebrated Vijayadashami with grand Ravan effigy burnings as President Murmu, PM Modi, Vice President Radhakrishnan and CM Rekha Gupta shared messages of righteousness. (Pankaj Rai)
New Delhi: Delhi celebrated Vijayadashami with religious fervour and enthusiasm on Tuesday, October 20, as grand festivities took place from the historic Red Fort grounds to Dwarka Sector 10. Fireworks, towering effigies of Ravana and chants of “Jai Shri Ram” filled the capital with festive energy.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan attended separate Dussehra events, highlighting the importance of truth, moral conduct, social harmony and standing against wrongdoing. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also urged people to follow Lord Shri Ram’s ideals and work towards eliminating social evils.
President Droupadi Murmu attended the Vijayadashami celebration in Dwarka Sector 10 and extended her greetings to the people of the country. Describing Lord Shri Ram as an embodiment of truth, righteousness and ethical conduct, she emphasised the enduring significance of the Ramleela tradition.
The President noted that Ramleela performances in India and abroad help people remember Lord Shri Ram’s ideals and values. She also expressed happiness that modern India is moving forward in keeping with the principles of equality and inclusiveness reflected in the Ramayana.
Her message underlined that Vijayadashami is more than a religious festival. It is also an occasion to embrace honesty, ethical behaviour and values that strengthen unity, dignity and humanity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a Dussehra programme at IP Extension in East Delhi, where he highlighted the ideals of Lord Shri Ram and the importance of public welfare.
He said the purpose of governance should not simply be to exercise authority but to serve the people. His message emphasised the need for sensitivity, public service and policies focused on citizens’ well-being.
The Prime Minister’s remarks reinforced the principle that power should be used to promote justice and social welfare rather than personal pride. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits of national development reach ordinary citizens and strengthen harmony and responsibility across society.
The grand Vijayadashami celebration organised by the renowned Luv Kush Ramleela Committee at the historic Red Fort grounds was one of the capital’s major attractions.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan traditionally fired an arrow to set fire to Ravana’s effigy. National Award-winning actress Yami Gautam Dhar and prominent filmmaker Aanand L. Rai also participated by shooting arrows at the effigies symbolising evil.
Thousands of spectators and devotees gathered at the venue, cheering “Jai Shri Ram” as the giant effigies went up in flames. The spectacle carried the familiar message that arrogance, injustice and wrongdoing cannot ultimately triumph over truth and righteousness.
This year, the Luv Kush Ramleela Committee placed women’s dignity and respect at the centre of its celebrations. Actress Yami Gautam was specially invited to help promote the theme, representing women and highlighting the values of courage, dignity and empowerment.
The participation of film personalities alongside traditional religious celebrations added to the event’s appeal. Committee president Arjun Kumar said the Vice President’s presence and participation in the effigy burning were a matter of pride for the organisers.
He explained that the theme aimed to emphasise that women are not only symbols of care and sacrifice but are also powerful voices against injustice and wrongdoing.
Kumar added that Ravana represents more than a mythological character; he also symbolises arrogance, injustice and the evils present in society. He thanked Yami Gautam and filmmaker Aanand L. Rai for participating in the event.
The celebration brought together religious faith, Indian cultural traditions, social unity and the message of respect for women.
Addressing the Vijayadashami celebration at Dwarka Sector 10, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the festival represents the triumph of truth, righteousness, justice and good conduct over evil, injustice and arrogance.
She described Lord Shri Ram not merely as a deity worshipped by devotees but as an enduring role model whose life offers lessons in responsibility and moral conduct.
Gupta said society continues to face several challenges, including hatred, corruption, addiction, crime, discrimination, violence against women, anger, jealousy and arrogance. She stressed that overcoming these problems requires people to adopt Shri Ram’s ideals and fulfil their responsibilities honestly.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the real significance of Dussehra lies beyond burning Ravana’s effigy. Every individual must also resolve to overcome personal shortcomings, greed, resentment and other negative tendencies.
Gupta called on people to replace hatred with love and work collectively towards a brighter future for the country. She urged citizens to stand united against social evils and supported strict legal action against those involved in anti-national activities.
She also encouraged people to reflect on their own conduct, recognise their shortcomings and take practical steps to remove them. According to her message, the festival should inspire citizens to contribute to national progress while following the values represented by Lord Shri Ram.
The message of Vijayadashami remains relevant in contemporary society. Ravana’s ten heads can be viewed symbolically as reminders of the harmful tendencies that weaken individuals and communities.
Arrogance, corruption, hatred, injustice, greed, anger, discrimination, addiction, crime and disrespect towards women are among the challenges that society must confront.
The messages delivered across Delhi’s celebrations reflected different dimensions of the festival. President Murmu highlighted dignity, ethical conduct and inclusiveness, while Prime Minister Modi stressed public welfare as the central purpose of governance. Vice President Radhakrishnan participated in the traditional Ravana effigy burning at the Red Fort, and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta urged people to unite against social evils.
The Luv Kush Ramleela’s focus on women’s dignity further reinforced the importance of courage and empowerment.
Together, the celebrations conveyed a clear message: the true victory of Vijayadashami lies not only in burning an effigy of evil but also in eliminating harmful thoughts and actions from everyday life.
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