‘Ravans’ were set on fire all over the capital on Thursday along with the demon king’s son Meghnad and brother Kumbhakaran as Delhiites celebrated Dussehra in all its colour to symbolise the triumph of good over evil.
The festival marked the culmination of navratra and the beginning of the 20-day-long wait for Diwali, festival of lights, to celebrate the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after killing the demon king.
Dressed in their festive best, people attended Ramlilas across city where artistes enacted the final battle episode of Ramayana where Lord Ram kills Ravana and brings back Sita to Ayodhya.
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Dussehra symbolises the victory of good over evil by celebrating the victory of Lord Ram. The festivities culminated after nine auspicious days of navratri, during which Ramlila is enacted to depict the life of Lord Ram.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi attended two Ramlila celebrations — first at Parade Ground in Red Fort and then in Ramlila Grounds — joining thousands of Delhiites to celebrate the festival.
Dr. Singh and Ms. Sonia shot the arrows at the tall effigy of Ravana at the function in Ramlila Grounds.
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As the effigies were set ablaze amid chants in praise of Lord Ram, people witnessed spectacular fireworks which illuminated the sky.