Lord Rama kills Ravana on stage--Indoors

Mumbai, Oct 9 (UNI) The Metropolis, which usually witnesses the burning of effigies of Ravana at beaches, public places and compounds of large housing societies, today saw a unique celebration on Dussehra day with Lord Rama killing the Demon on stage at the Birla Matoshree Sabhagraha in South Mumbai.

With the aid of lights and Laser Technolgy, the fight between Lord Ram and Ravana was projected this evening at the packed 1,300 seat air-conditioned auditorium and the subsequent annihilation of Ravana drew wild cheers from the audience, which found it visually entertaining.

After the Raj Tilak of lord Rama was performed, a Kavi Sammelan was held with leading poets participating.

''We do not use fire-crackers, normally used for burning the effigy. And moreover, it signifies Vijaya over Pollution this Dashmi'', said Ashok Agrawal, trustee of the Jaishree Ram Seva Samiti, the organisers of the event.

''We have also been performing 'Ram leela' indoors in the auditorium since the last two years'', he said and claimed the response has been very encouraging.

Elsewhere in the city, a huge effigy of the ten-headed demon Ravana was burnt in front of a huge crowd at Azaad Maidan in South Mumbai, on Chowpatty beach and several other places.

Meanwhile, the Durga Puja festivities ended with the immersion of idols at sea-fronts and ponds in the city and suburbs.

UNI OBB SSS RL HT1919