India
oi-Gaurav Sharma
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Dussehra celebrations at IP Extension in Delhi, where he witnessed the traditional Ravana Dahan ceremony and was honoured with a portrait. The event highlighted the festival’s enduring message of the victory of good over evil, with the Prime Minister’s presence adding significance to the celebrations in the national capital.
#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends #Dussehra celebrations at IP Extension in East Delhi. (Source: DD News) https://t.co/YZNK3de7bK
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Dussehra celebrations at IP Extension in Delhi, witnessing the traditional Ravana Dahan ceremony symbolizing the victory of good over evil and receiving a portrait from the organizers.
The programme brought together people to mark Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, which commemorates Lord Ram’s victory over Ravana in the Hindu epic Ramayana. The burning of Ravana’s effigy is among the festival’s most prominent traditions and symbolises the defeat of evil, arrogance and injustice by truth and righteousness.
During the celebrations, Modi was honoured with his portrait by the organisers. The event formed part of the Dussehra festivities in Delhi, where public gatherings, religious programmes and Ravana Dahan ceremonies are organised every year to mark the occasion.
PM Modi Attends Dussehra Celebrations at IP Extension
The Prime Minister’s participation in the IP Extension programme brought national attention to the traditional celebrations. Ravana Dahan remains a major attraction during Dussehra, drawing families and devotees who gather to witness the symbolic burning of the effigy.
#WATCH | Delhi: At the #Dussehra celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “On Vijayadashami, I offer my salutations at the feet of Lord Shri Ram, Mother Janaki, and Bajrangbali. I extend my heartfelt wishes for Vijayadashami to all my countrymen. Today, every corner of India is imbued with the spirit of Lord Ram—in every village and every city. The entire nation is immersed in the spirit of the Ramlila. Across the country, Ramlilas are being staged—a tradition that keeps the ideals of Lord Shri Ram alive. It is a proclamation of the end of tyranny and terror, and a testament to the belief in the triumph of eternal truth over falsehood…”(Source: DD News)
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2026
The ritual is rooted in the story of Lord Ram’s battle against Ravana, the king of Lanka. Although Ravana is described in the Ramayana as a powerful and learned ruler, his arrogance and actions ultimately led to his downfall. His defeat is remembered as a reminder that power cannot justify wrongdoing and that righteousness must prevail.
The presentation of Modi’s portrait was another notable moment during the programme, as organisers honoured the Prime Minister at the event.
Dussehra’s Timeless Message: Good Over Evil
Dussehra carries a message that extends beyond religious observances. The festival encourages people to uphold truth, practise honesty and stand against injustice. The burning of Ravana’s effigy symbolises the rejection of negative qualities such as arrogance, greed and the misuse of power.
#WATCH | Delhi: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta says, “It is a matter of great joy for us today that the First Citizen of our country, the President, has graced the grand stage of Delhi’s largest Ramlila—adding immense splendor to this occasion. On behalf of the people of Delhi, I extend a warm welcome to her. Today is not merely a celebration of Lord Shri Ram’s victory over Ravana; it is a truly significant day. For centuries, this day has inspired us, reminding us that truth always triumphs over falsehood, righteousness prevails over unrighteousness, and justice overcomes injustice. It teaches us that virtue always triumphs over arrogance. This is the message we have commemorated year after year on every Vijayadashami. Lord Shri Ram is not just an object of our devotion; He is the ideal for our lives—the embodiment of righteousness… Yet, in today’s society, there exist many ‘Ravana-like’ evils—be it ignorance, arrogance, anger, jealousy, corruption, substance abuse, crime, social discrimination, atrocities against women, or hatred. To eradicate all of these, we must all embrace the ideals of Lord Shri Ram within ourselves.”
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2026
The victory of Lord Ram is traditionally associated with dharma, or righteousness, and the fulfilment of one’s duties. The festival reminds people that lasting success must be built on ethical conduct, discipline and respect for others.
The celebration of Vijayadashami across India reflects the continuing importance of the Ramayana in the country’s cultural life. Through Ramlila performances, religious ceremonies and Ravana Dahan events, the story is passed on to younger generations.
