Dussehra celebrated in Rajasthan, stampede casts shadow in Jodhpur

Jaipur, Oct 9 (UNI) The tragic stampede at the Chamunda Temple in Jodhpur which had left over 200 people dead on the first day of Shardiya Navratra on September 30, cast its shadow over Dussehra celebration in the Sun City with people opting to keep the annual festive rituals a low-key affair this year.

A report from Jodhpur said the ceremonial Ram Shobha yatra from Mehrangarh to Ravana Ka Chabutara, was reduced to symbolic affair without fun fare as traditional musical brass bands and bursting of colorful crackers and firework were missing.

The Municipal Corporation also curtailed several programmes.

Elsewhere in the state the festival marking triumph of good over evil, was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety.

The main function in the state capital was held at Adarsh Nagar Ramlila grounds here. Burning of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran and Meghnaad followed by colourful fire work and crackers show kept the spectators spell bound. Similar programmes were held at the Ramlila Maidan in Walled City and other localities too.

In Kota, famous month long Dussehra Mela also began today.

UNI SS NY HT2002