Goans celebrate Dussehra with religious fervour, gaiety

Panaji, Oct 9 (UNI) Dussehra that marks the end of the nine-day Navratri Festival dedicated to Goddess Durga was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety all over Goa today.

A beeline of devotees was witnessed at various temples and pandals since morning. People attired in new clothes were seen distributing sweets and Shami leaves, a symbol of gold, in a gesture of exchanging Prosperity.

In villages, farmers displayed newly harvested corns at the entrance of houses, a ritual locally know as ''Navem''. Agricultural tools and implements were also worshipped on the occasion.

On the occasion, two Charter flight, the first in this tourist season, arrived at Dabolim Airport here this morning with around 225 tourists from Germany and Russia, Dabolim Airport Director D P Manikkam said.

Meanwhile, in view of the recent terror strikes across the country, elaborate security arrangements have been made throughout the state, Inspector General of Police Kishan Kumar said.

The clearing of grants under the sixth pay commission recommendations yesterday is being considered as Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat's Dussehra gift to the state government employees.

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