Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared stage with his predecessor Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi here when they joined thousands of people to celebrate Dussehra.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari led the celebrations at Subhash Maidan in north Delhi here in the presence of Modi, Singh and Gandhi.
Addressing the gathering in Hindi, President Mukherjee said the day symbolises victory of good over evil. “It inspires us to face difficulties come, let us work together for development,” he said in his brief address.
Prime Minister Modi also exchanged pleasantries with Dr. Singh and Sonia Gandhi, who lit the ceremonial lamp, at the event.
Before ‘Ravan Dahan’ when Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran are burnt in effigies, the dignitaries released white pigeons — considered symbol of peace.
Before reaching the dais, the leaders lit the ceremonial lamp. They were also presented with traditional weapons such as bow and arrow, sword, trident and mace by the organisers. They also enjoyed the final act of Ram Lila where Ravan is killed in battle with Lord Ram.
–PTi