New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the vibrant Dussehra celebrations held at Ram Leela Maidan in Dwarka’s Sector 10 in the national capital, on Tuesday. A striking moment captured him shooting an arrow towards the towering effigy of Ravana, showcasing his active involvement in the festivities.
Addressing the event PM Modi said that in India, weapons are worshipped not to dominate any land but to protect its own land.
“On Vijayadashami, there is a tradition of ‘Shastra Puja’ as well. On Indian soil, weapons are worshipped not to dominate any land but to protect its own land. Our Shakti Puja is not just for us but for the welfare of the entire world…”
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "On Vijayadashami, there is a tradition of 'Shastra Puja' as well. On Indian soil, weapons are worshipped not to dominate any land but to protect its own land. Our Shakti Puja is not just for us but for the welfare of the entire… pic.twitter.com/O66smuNlC4
— ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2023
Referring to the Ram Mandir, which is currently under construction in Ayodhya, PM Modi said that Lord Rama’s arrival is imminent, with only a few months left before he takes his place in the temple.
“We are fortunate enough to witness the construction of Ram Temple, and on the next Ramnavami in Ayodhya, every note echoing in Ramlala’s temple will bring joy to the world. There are only a few months left for Lord Ram to reside in the Ram Temple. Lord Ram is just about to arrive…” the PM said.
#WATCH | PM Modi says "We are fortunate enough to witness the construction of Ram Temple and on the next Ramnavami in Ayodhya, every note echoing in Ramlala's temple will bring joy to the world. 'Bhagwan Ram ki janmabhoomi par ban raha bhavya mandir, sadiyo ki prateeksha ke baad… pic.twitter.com/YzFj9CJDcf
— ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2023
“We have to keep in mind that today, the burning of Ravana should not be just the burning of an effigy. This should be the burning of every deformity due to which the mutual harmony of society deteriorates. Let this be the burning of those forces that try to divide India in the name of casteism and regionalism…,’ PM Modi added.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "We have to keep in mind that today the burning of Ravana should not be just the burning of an effigy. This should be the burning of every deformity due to which the mutual harmony of the society deteriorates. Let this be the burning of… pic.twitter.com/wGJ8bafqVw
— ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2023
The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of the next 25 years for India. “We have to create an India of Lord Ram’s ideas. A developed India, which is self-reliant, a developed India, which gives the message of world peace, a developed India, where everyone has equal rights to fulfill their dreams, a developed India, where people feel a sense of prosperity and satisfaction. This is Ram Raj’s vision”, he said.
The Prime Minister asked everyone to take 10 resolutions, such as saving water, promoting digital transactions, cleanliness, being vocal for local, making quality products, seeing the country before thinking of foreign, promoting natural farming, prompting and adopting millets, fitness and finally, “we will raise the social status of at least one poor family by becoming a member of their household.”
PM Modi is gracing the 11th grand Ramleela event hosted by the Shri Ramleela Society in Dwarka, Sector 10, as the chief guest. Additionally, he will participate in the ceremonial burning of the effigy of Ravana.
#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Dwarka Sector-10 Ram Leela, to attend 'Ravan Dahan' #Dussehra #PMModi pic.twitter.com/Jjtcjqgsu1
— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) October 24, 2023
Earlier, the Prime Minister had taken to X (formerly known as Twitter) to extend greetings to the people on Vijaya Dashmi.
“Best wishes to my family members across the country on Vijaya Dashmi. This holy festival brings the message of ending negative forces as well as adopting goodness in life. Wishing you all a Happy Vijaya Dashmi!” PM Modi wrote on ‘X’.
देशभर के मेरे परिवारजनों को विजयादशमी की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। यह पावन पर्व नकारात्मक शक्तियों के अंत के साथ ही जीवन में अच्छाई को अपनाने का संदेश लेकर आता है।
Wishing you all a Happy Vijaya Dashami!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 24, 2023
The ‘Vijyaya Dashmi’ or ‘Dussehra’, is celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil. It is believed that Lord Rama killed Ravan on this day, and with this belief, the culture of burning the effigies of Ravana started.
The ‘Vijaya Dashmi’ also marks the culmination of the nine-day-long Navratri festival. It is observed on the tenth day of the month of Ashvin, the seventh in the Hindu Luni-Solar Calendar. The festival typically falls in the Gregorian calendar months of September and October.