Jammu, 2 October (IANS) The festival of Vijayadashami is being celebrated with great enthusiasm in Jammu on Thursday, especially at the historic parade ground, where the main event will take place later.
Preparations are in their final stages, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police has started a completely safety search operation to ensure safety of attendees. The security system has become very tough.
In the evening, the effigies of Ravan will be set to the ablass, followed by a grand procession, crowds from the entire region.
Speaking to IANS, the artisans involved in the festival shared that the tradition of Dussehra ceremony at the parade ground has been going on for centuries. For the last 40 years, their families have been contributing to the program by creating effigies and participating in the celebration. He said that Vijayadashami is a symbol of communal harmony in Jammu, because Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs come together to celebrate.
“Some political elements try to disrupt this harmony,” an artisan said, “But messages like ‘I Love Muhammad’ and ‘I Love Mahakal’ represent our unity. We appeal to all of us to maintain mutual brotherhood and peace.”
Another artisan said: “We are making pupils for places like Leh and Srinagar. The preparation starts a month ago. However, due to the current situation, the celebrations in Leh have been canceled. But at the parade ground here, a large effigy of Ravan has been installed and ready for ceremony.”
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, has marked the culmination of Navratri and Durga Puja festivals. This demon remembers Lord Ram’s victory over the victory of Goddess Durga over King Ravana and Mahishasura, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The day also shows the destruction of negative qualities such as new beginnings, renewal, and ego, ego and injustice.
Spiritally, Dussehra confirms the belief that righteousness and truth eventually prevails on evil, even if the forces of darkness can look powerful. As the mannequins burns and the ceremonies come out, the message remains clear: good always conquers evil.
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JK/VD