When PM, Sonia and Rahul slayed Ravan

Image: Ravan's effigy in flames, at the Dussehra celebrations, at Red Fort Ground on the auspicious occasion of Vijay Dashmi
Photographs: PIB

Giant effigies of demon king Ravan along with his son Meghnad and brother Kumbhkaran went up in flames on Sunday as part of the Dussehra celebrations in all its colour symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

President Pratibha Patil, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi joined thousands of Delhiites to celebrate the festival and attended Ramlilas at Ramlila Ground and Red Fort, which witnessed a massive turnout of people.

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When PM, Sonia and Rahul slayed Ravan

Image: PM, Sonia and Rahul watch the Dussehra celebrations at Ramleela Maidan

Other dignitaries who attended the function at Parade Ground included Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi was also present at the celebrations in Ramlila Grounds.

The dignitaries watched the last episode of Ramayana, marking the culmination of 10-day festivities, at main Ramlila venues in New Delhi.

When PM, Sonia and Rahul slayed Ravan

Image: President Pratibha Devisingh Patil lighting the lamp at the Dussehra celebrations along with Vice President Hamid Ansari

Dr Singh applied tilak on the forehead of the artistes who played the role of Lord Ram and Lakshman.

A large number of people were seen bursting crackers to mark the festivities while others went to market places on a shopping spree.

People also visited friends and relatives and exchanged gifts on the culmination of nine days of prayers and fasting to mark the victory of Lord Ram over Asura king Ravana in Lanka.

When PM, Sonia and Rahul slayed Ravan

Image: Effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakarn and Meghanad at the Ramleela Maidan

Elaborate security arrangements were made to ensure that the festivities go without any untoward incident. Police kept a tight vigil over the city, a senior official said.

There was utter chaos outside the Red Fort as security personnel prevented people from entering the premises due to VVIP movement.

When PM, Sonia and Rahul slayed Ravan

Image: Dr Singh performing arti

The culmination of Navratri on Sunday marks 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.

When PM, Sonia and Rahul slayed Ravan

Image: President Pratibha Patil interacting with the artistes of Ramlila

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.

When PM, Sonia and Rahul slayed Ravan

Dressed in their festive best, people attended 'Ramlilas' where artistes enacted the final battle episode of Ramayana where Lord Ram kills Ravana and brings back Sita to Ayodhya.

Dr Singh, Sonia and Rahul shot the arrows at the effigy of Ravana at the function.

When PM, Sonia and Rahul slayed Ravan

Image: Ravan's effigy in flames at the Dussehra celebrations

As the effigies were set ablaze amid chants in praise of Lord Ram, people witnessed spectacular fireworks, which illuminated the sky leaving many in awe.

Most of the entry gates were closed for the public and were opened only after the dignitaries left the Red Fort premises.

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