PM Modi extends greetings to the nation on the occasion of Dussehra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, October 8, extended his greetings to the nation on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra. PM Modi took to Twitter and posted a video to wish the nation on this occasion. Wishes have started pouring in on the microblogging website with leaders from across the country wishing everyone on the festive day. President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu also extended their greetings, expressing hope that the festival will inspire people to work towards helping the needy and deprived.

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Vice President Naidu stated in his message that the festival symbolises the victory of good over evil. "Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram's character presents an all-time, universal ideal for humanity. His narrative prevails in different languages of distant countries, above the narrow boundaries of country and communities." Naidu tweeted.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. who is currently on an official visit to France to engage in bilateral talks with its Prime Minister Macron, also took to Twitter and said, "Greetings to you on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashmi." Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the festival, signifying the victory of good over the forces of evil, symbolizes the values of courage and sacrifice and of upholding the principles of dharma in all stages of life. "Lord Rama represents the virtues of truth, virtue, and wisdom and on this auspicious day, we must imbibe the teachings of Lord Rama and his universal message of love and brotherhood," he said.

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About Dussehra

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

Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja, remembering goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura to restore and protect dharma. In the northern and western states, the festival is synonymously called Dussehra. It marks the end of "Ramlila" and remembers God Rama's victory over the Ravan. 

On Dasara, the towering effigies of Ravan symbolizing the evil are burnt with fireworks marking evil's destruction. The festival also starts the preparation for one of the most important and widely celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, which is celebrated twenty days after the Vijayadashami.

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