Varanasi: Vijayadashami was celebrated with traditional fervour and grandeur across the city on Tuesday, with effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad set ablaze at Banaras Locomotive Works, Police Line and several other locations.At BLW Sports Stadium, a grand Ramlila performance and effigy-burning ceremony were organised in the presence of BLW General Manager Ashutosh Pant and other senior officials. The programme began with the officials performing aarti of Lord Ram, Mata Janaki and Lord Lakshman.Extending Vijayadashami greetings, Pant wished people a healthy, happy and prosperous life. He said the festival symbolised the victory of truth over falsehood, righteousness over unrighteousness, humility over arrogance and good over evil. He urged people to imbibe the festival’s values and message in their lives.A symbolic Ramlila, directed by S D Singh, depicted key episodes from the Ramayana, including Ram’s exile, Sita’s abduction, the Vanar Sena’s search for Sita, Lanka Dahan, Hanuman’s return and Vibhishan’s surrender.The performance also featured the Angad-Ravan dialogue, Lakshman Shakti, the killing of Kumbhakarna and Meghnad, Sulochana’s lament and the final battle between Ram and Ravan. It concluded with Vibhishan revealing the secret of Ravan’s death and Ram killing the demon king.Amid colourful fireworks, a 70-foot effigy of Ravan, a 65-foot effigy of Kumbhakarna and a 60-foot effigy of Meghnad were set ablaze. The stadium reverberated with chants of “Jai Shri Ram” as fireworks lit up the night sky.At Police Line, Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal organised a Ravan Dahan programme for police personnel and their families.Addressing the gathering, Agarwal said Dussehra represented the victory of truth over falsehood, righteousness over unrighteousness and good over evil. He said the police, guided by the same spirit, were duty-bound to take effective action against crime and injustice, ensure that offenders were punished through the courts, and maintain peace, security and public trust.During the programme, Agarwal interacted with police personnel and their family members and enquired about their well-being. He also emphasised the importance of mutual harmony, cooperation and family unity.The event saw enthusiastic participation by police personnel, their children and other family members. Police Line wore a festive look, with the celebrations reflecting a spirit of togetherness and community bonding.
