Processions mark the day in Kumaon

Our correspondent

Pithoragarh, October 11

Dasehra celebrations are on in full swing in the Kumaon region. At Almora, large processions with the effigies of family members of Ravana were taken out that were later burnt on the Nanda Devi campus. Various episodes of Ramlila were staged at various places today.

“The Dasehra procession in Almora town is a tradition which began during the rule of Chand kings. The procession begins from Bhairav temple, goes through the market and reaches Nanda Devi temple where the effigies are burnt late in the evening, “ said Navin Bisht, a cultural enthusiast and journalist, in Almora town.

Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijjiu and Union Minister of State for Textile Ajay Tamta also participated in the celebrations at Almora. No animal sacrifices were made at the temples this year due to the orders of the High Court. “The animal sacrifice in Tamli and Thapaliakhera regions of the district has been abandoned here this year,” said Satish Joshi, a youth from the Tamli region of Champawat district.

The people of Mirtola village in Quirala valley of the Champawat district are staging Ramlila where entry of alcoholics or users of contrabands have been prohibited . “The decision was taken five years ago and is being fully executed with the help of local youths,” said Prakash joshi, manager of Ramlila, at Mirtola.

The festival was also celebrated at Haldwani, Nainital, Pithoragarh and Ranikhet. Ramlila was staged in various places which ended with the burning of effigies of Ravana and his family, who lost their lives in the epic battle with Lord Rama signifying victory of truth over evil.