STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Marking the victory of righteousness over evil, Dussehra was celebrated with great enthusiasm and religious fervour in Jammu on Thursday. The festivities culminated with the burning of giant effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarna, and son Meghnath, symbolising the triumph of Lord Rama over evil.
At Parade Ground, in the heart of the city, a large crowd gathered to witness the spectacular event. As the clock struck 5:45 PM, the towering effigies were set ablaze amid loud cheers, fireworks, and chants of “Jai Shri Ram.” The scene recreated the epic conclusion of Ramleela, bringing down the curtain on the nine-day celebration.
The event was held under tight security arrangements and was attended by hundreds of devotees, families, and tourists, who came together to uphold the age-old tradition symbolising the eternal fight between good and evil.
The role of Lord Rama was enacted by local artists who shot arrows to ignite the effigies of Ravana and Kumbhkarna, while Lakshman ignited Meghnad. The spectacle was greeted with loud cheers and applause, reinforcing the eternal message of righteousness triumphing over evil.
Earlier, the city of temples witnessed a spectacular celebration of Dussehra as a grand Shobha Yatra was taken out on Thursday by Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj under the leadership of its Chairman and MLA Jammu East Constituency, Yudhvir Sethi.
The event was marked by immense public participation, vibrant tableaux, and the symbolic burning of effigies, upholding the tradition of celebrating the victory of good over evil.
The Shobha Yatra began from Deewan Mandir with traditional puja performed by Yudhvir Sethi before the flagging off. The procession passed through the main bazaars of the city including Moti Bazar, Sabzi Mandi, Rajtilak Road, Purani Mandi, Old Hospital Road, City Chowk, and Raghunath Bazar.
At Raghunath Bazar, devotees offered prayers at Raghunath Temple before the Yatra after passing Shalamar Road,finally culminated at Parade Ground amid chants of “Jai Shri Ram.”
The Yatra featured well-decorated chariots carrying tableaux of Lord Rama, Lakshman, and Hanuman, which were highly admired by the people who thronged the streets to seek blessings and witness the grandeur.
Local artists, who had enthralled audiences during the nine-day-long Ramleela at Dewana Mandir, actively participated in the procession. Their presence added a devotional and cultural flavor to the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Yudhvir Sethi said, “Dussehra is not only a festival but also a reminder that truth and righteousness always prevail. The Shobha Yatra reflects our rich culture and traditions, and the huge participation of people shows the unity and devotion of our society. It is this spirit that keeps our heritage alive and strengthens the bond among communities.”
He further appreciated the efforts of Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj for meticulously organizing the event and providing a platform to local artists to showcase their talent. Elaborate arrangements made by the organizers ensured smooth conduct of the Yatra.
Prominent members present on the occasion included Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj President Anil Massom, General Secretary Kulbhushan Sharma, along with other members of the organization.
The celebrations concluded with a pledge to uphold the values of truth, peace, and harmony as propagated by Lord Rama.
Similarly, Dussehra was celebrated at Dussehra Ground, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, under the aegis of Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Management Trust, led by Th. Gulchain Singh Charak (Former Minister and President of the Trust). The celebration has been a tradition for nearly 50 years.
A beautifully adorned Rath carrying idols of Lord Rama, Lakshman, and Maa Sita moved through AB Block, Gole Market, Shiv Mandir, Last Morh, and Higher Secondary School backside road, before entering the ground via Gate No. 2.
After a ceremonial Puja, the grand effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnath were set ablaze, symbolizing the destruction of evil. The program was organized by S.C. Rekhi, General Secretary of the Trust.
Prominent participants included S.C. Rekhi (General Secretary), Harish Malhotra, Romesh Thakur, Prem Sharma, V.K. Abrol, K.B. Magotra, Kapil Slathia, P.C. Gupta, Sumesh Damral, Kiran Rajput, Uma Sharma, Gambir Dev Singh Charak, Krishan Gupta, Sandeep Singh, Parshant Sharma, Ved Verma, Pankul Vaid, Tarun Gupta, Kulbir Singh Chib, Ashok Gupta, Col. Pushap Hass Sharma, Ashok Khajuria, Indu Bhushan Sharma, among other trustees, special invitees, and a large number of devotees.