Himachal: CM Sukhu performs Ravana Dahan at Shimla's Jakhu Temple
Oct 24, 2023
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 24 : Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday paid obeisance at the famous Jakhu temple in Shimla and performed the 'Ravana Dahan' on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami. 
The Himachal Chief Minister performed the burning of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad at the temple premises.
A huge crowd of people gathered in Jakhu to see the Chief Minister burn 45 feet high effigy of Ravana, 35 feet high effigy of Kumbhakarna and 30 feet high effigy of Meghnad.
Greeting the people of the state on the festival the Chief Minister said that this festival signifies the victory of good over evil. He said that Dussehra is celebrated with gaiety and fervour in the whole country, including Himachal.
"This festival is celebrated as the victory of 'dharma' over 'adharma' and inspires us to live with dignity and work with the spirit of public welfare," CM added.
The Chief Minister also said that Himachal Pradesh had lapsed into bad times due to the recent disasters but is on its way back to restoration.
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra is a major Hindu festival celebrated every year at the end of Navaratri.
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.
Vijayadashami celebrations include processions to a river or oceanfront that involve carrying clay statues of Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartikeya, accompanied by music and chants, after which the images are immersed in the water for dissolution and farewell.
In other places, towering effigies of Ravana, symbolising evil, are burnt with fireworks, marking evil's destruction.
The festival also starts the preparations for Diwali, the important festival of lights, which is celebrated twenty days after Vijayadashami.
This year, Dussehra will be celebrated on October 24 (Tuesday). The Dashami Tithi will start from 05:45 PM on October 23, 2023, and will end at 03:14 PM on October 24, 2023.
