Dussehra celebrated with gaiety in Jammu amid security

Jammu, Oct 9 (UNI) Vijay Dashmi, the day signifying victory after 10-day campaign of Lord Rama against depraved King Ravana, was today celebrated with the religious fervor, gaiety and peace under an unprecedented security cover in the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

People from all walks of life, including followers of all religions exchanged greetings on the occasion with Hindu friends and relatives.

The festivities ended up with the people at many places setting ablaze the effigies of King Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarna and son Inderjeet alias Meghnad as a mark of goodness prevailing upon evil.

With 'Dussehra', the 'Ram Lila' -- a stage performance based on the epic Ramayana -- being organised by various local artists, also culminated.

The main function of setting the ten-headed-Ravana afire was held at the Parade Ground here, where prominent citizens of the region were also present.

An unprecedented security cover was put in place to ensure incident-free celebrations.

''Additional forces have been called in to ensure peaceful culmination of the festival looking at the militant threats,'' a police officer told UNI.

UNI VBH RJ BD1822