Ravan Dahan in city, marking triumph of good over evils

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Oct 11: Ravan Dahan (torching of an idol of Rava, symbolizing the killing of all evils) was conducted at Nehru Stadium in Guwahati today amidst the presence of around 25,000 people, including State Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal.

Organized by the Assam Vijaya Dashami Mohotsav Samiti, the event saw the torching the idols of Rava, Kumbhkaran and Meghth this evening.

Prior to that, Ram Vijay, a bhao, was staged by local artistes. The Gujarat Welfare Society, Guwahati also staged a Ram Lila at the stadium. It was followed by deafening bursts of firecrackers brought from Barpeta and Shivkashi.

Sita Swayambor (choosing her consort by Sita), Ram Vabas (exhile of Rama), Sorponokha Sambad (Lakshman-Surponokha conversation), Marich Sambad (Marich doing a golden deer to compel Sita to ask Rama to catch it for her and Lakshma to go for the rescue of Rama), Ram-Sugreeb Milan (bonding between Rama and Sugreeb), Kumbhkaran Nidra Bhanga (premature awakening Kumbhkaran from his sleep), Ashok Vatika (the plight of Sita in Ashok garden in Lanka), Ram-Ravan yudh (Ram-Rava battle) etc., were parts of the Ram Lila.

The 82-foot-tall idol of Rava was made by artisan Safiqul Islam from Kharupetia.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal also took part in the Ram-Sita Arati. In his speech, he said: "Vijaya Dashami is the triumph of good over evil forces. The objective of our government is to make strides on the path of development by taking all in the State along. I hope that the schemes taken by the governments in the State and at the Centre will benefit all."