Dasehra celebrated with religious fervour across Chandigarh

The festival of Dasehra was celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm across the city. Thousands of residents gathered at various function venues to witness the symbolic burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna, marking the victory of good over evil.

The celebrations at the Dasehra ground in Sector 46 drew massive crowds. The burning of the ‘Sone ki Lanka’ and the 101-ft effigy of Ravana was the centre of attraction.

Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, who was the chief guest at the event, remotely lit the effigies amidst chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’.

Addressing the gathering, Kataria said the ideals of Lord Shri Ram gave the right direction to life. “Lord Rama resides within all of us. We only need to follow the path shown by him. Ramayana teaches us that success can be achieved only by walking the path of patience, dignity, brotherhood and truth,” he said, urging people to remove evils from their lives and spread the message of love and harmony.

The 28th edition of the event, organised by Shri Sanatan Dharma Dasehra Committee, showcased several unique features, including the rotating neck and face of Ravana’s effigy riding a chariot, the Amrit Kund stream emanating from its navel, and the spectacular burning of “Sone ki Lanka”.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, Chief Engineer CB Ojha and educationist Prof Siddharth Sharma, who presided over the function.

Cultural performances, bhajans of Lord Ram and Hanuman and dramatic dialogues presented by Shri Badri Kedar Ramlila Committee captivated the audience. Children were also given sweets and traditional toys like bows and maces. Emergency services, including fire tenders and ambulances, were deployed at the venue. The event was broadcast live on multiple platforms.

Later, Kataria attended the Dasehra celebrations organised by New Shri Tirupati Balaji Sansthan in Sector 48 where he was joined by MP Manish Tewari, former MP Satya Pal Jain and former Mayor Davesh Moudgil. Addressing the gathering, Kataria urged citizens to live by moral values and follow the message of Dasehra in their daily lives. Tewari greeted residents and made an appeal to fight against social evils, while Jain stressed the need to spread India’s cultural and religious values globally.

Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu attended the Dasehra celebrations as the chief guest in Sectors 38 (Dadumajra), 44 and 49. He burnt effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna at multiple venues. In his address, Sandhu said the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya infused new enthusiasm among devotees and inspired the youth to stay connected to their roots and cultural heritage.

Sandhu also interacted with members of Ramlila committees and artistes.