People throng Dasehra venues across Chandigarh

Marking the triumph of good over evil, huge effigies of Ravana went up in flames across tricity on the occasion of Dasehra today. At 101 feet, the tallest effigy of Ravana in Chandigarh was set ablaze in Sector 46 ground as the crowd cheered on and witnessed the event from a safe distance. Effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnath (95 feet) and brother Kumbhakaran (90 feet), each costing over 1 lakh, made it the biggest and costliest Dasehra celebration in Chandigarh.

Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari also paid a visit to Sector 46 ground to greet the residents on the occasion of Dasehra.

Satya Pal Jain, former MP and Additional Solicitor General of India, lit the effigies in Sector 43. He also addressed people at functions organised by Dasehra Committees in Sector 43 and Sector 48. “Dasehra is a day of celebrating the victory of truth over falsehood. Today, people have to once again resolve and reiterate their determination to defeat evils like corruption, hunger, poverty and unemployment, which are the new facets of evil and falsehood.” Davesh Moudgil, former Mayor of Chandigarh, accompanied Jain.

Hundreds of people attended the celebrations organised Shri RamLila Samiti, at Parade Ground, Sector 17. Rajiv Verma, Adviser to UT Administrator, graced the grand celebrations as chief guest. Verma reiterated Chandigarh Administration’s commitment to supporting green initiatives, which set an example towards reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhakarn were set on fire at several places, including Sectors 32, 34, 24 and 49. The Dasehra festivities went peacefully amid tight security arrangements by the administration and police officials.

Celebrations with underprivileged

• The Department of Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Chandigarh Administration, celebrated the festival of Dasehra with inmates of Children Home, Snehalaya for Boys, Maloya.
• The Secretary of Social Welfare, Chandigarh Administration, was the chief guest, while the Chairperson of the Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) graced the function as the guest of honour.
• The children of Snehalaya showcased their talent with an engaging performance of Ramlila, followed by the symbolic burning of Ravana’s effigy, crafted by the children themselves.They were also served a special meal as part of the celebrations.