Delhi gears up for Dussehra: PM Modi’s presence prompts high security, route diversions

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Dussehra celebrations organised by the IP Extension Ramlila Committee in the national capital on Thursday. Officials have confirmed that the Prime Minister will arrive at the venue in East Delhi's Patparganj area around 6 pm, where he will participate in the traditional Ravana Dahan ceremony, which symbolises the victory of good over evil.

This isn't the first time the Prime Minister is attending Delhi's Dussehra celebrations. Last year, he, along with President Draupadi Murmu, attended the Luv Kush Ramlila at Delhi's historic Red Fort grounds, where he shot arrows to burn the effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakarna. During that time, PM Modi emphasized the festival's eternal message of courage, peace, and the triumph of truth.

Additionally, in 2023, the Prime Minister participated in Dussehra celebrations at the DDA Grounds in Dwarka, Delhi. He urged people to make ten resolutions, including helping at least one poor family. He was welcomed with traditional honors. Thousands gathered for the "Lanka Dahan" (burning of Lanka). PM Modi began his address with the slogan "Siyavar Ramchandra ki Jai" and extended greetings for Navratri and Vijayadashami. He called for the elimination of social evils such as casteism and regionalism, which undermine social harmony.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of Shastra Puja on Vijayadashami, saying that in India, weapons are worshipped not for aggression or victory, but to protect the nation's sovereignty. This year, a large crowd is expected at the ceremony in IP Extension, and the administration has made elaborate security arrangements in anticipation of the Prime Minister's visit.