Dussehra 2018| Celebrations must not cause inconvenience to others, cause pollution: Prez Kovind

Firelights flew and the flames of good over evil rose high on Friday evening as the people in the capital celebrated Dussehra. The Parade Ground too was lit up as the festival lights sparkled and the effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna were set ablaze in the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi among a host of other dignitaries. Speaking at the event, Kovind said the festival gives "inspiration to lead a honest life".

The burning of the giant effigies at the Parade Ground in Delhi for the 51^st time was organised by the Luv Kush Ram Leela Committee. And the colour theme this year was black.

Amid the great celebration, Modi and Kovind applied ‘tilak’ on the forehead of those playing the role of Ram, Sita and Lakshman at the event amid chants of Jai Shree Ram by the priests and a huge gathering.

 “I want to congratulate the people of the country on the occasion of Vijaydashmi. Vijaydashmi marks the victory of good over evil. The festival encourages good practices in their lives… One should take care that during celebrations we should be careful that it does not cause inconvenience to others and cause pollution,” Kovind said.

Vijayadashami, also known as Dasahara or Dussehra, is a major Hindu festival celebrated at the end of Navratri every year. It is observed on the tenth day in the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin, the seventh month of the Hindu Luni-Solar Calendar, which falls in September and October.