Jammu: The skies over Jammu lit up with fireworks as giant effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnad, and brother Kumbhakarna went up in flames at multiple venues, marking vibrant Dussehra celebrations across the region.
As part of the festivities, the RSS and several other organisations performed Shastra Puja.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who joined the celebrations in Jammu, said the day symbolised a “triple celebration” — Dussehra, Gandhi Jayanti, and the centenary year of the RSS.
The main event took place at the Parade Ground, where the towering effigies were set ablaze amid loud cheers from the crowd. Hundreds of men, women, and children gathered to witness the burning of the effigies and celebrate Vijaya Dashami.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Singh remarked that just as Dussehra represents the victory of good over evil, “Operation Sindoor” stands as a modern example of India’s righteous resolve triumphing over Pakistan’s designs. He added that the spirit of nationalism, first ignited in the region by Syama Prasad Mukherjee’s sacrifice, continues to inspire people, while the dedication of generations of swayamsevaks has sustained and strengthened the RSS over the past 100 years.
He also highlighted health-related experiments carried out by Indian scientist Shubhanshu Shukla at the International Space Station, saying they were undertaken “by an Indian, but for the benefit of all mankind — in the true spirit of Vishwabandhu Bharat.”
Dussehra festivities were held across Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, Samba, Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Katra, Doda, Bhaderwah, and Kishtwar.
On this occasion, centenary programmes of the RSS were launched in Jammu and Kashmir, in line with the rest of the country. “These programmes will continue throughout the year, with centenary-related events organised in all districts of Jammu division,” a spokesperson said.
Large numbers of swayamsevaks participated in these events, dressed in the organisation’s uniform. The programmes featured physical training drills, formations, exercises, and yoga demonstrations.
