PM, Sonia grace culmination of Dussehra festivities

New Delhi, Oct 9 (UNI) The burning of the effigies of legendary demon Ravana, his brother Kumbhakaran and son Meghnad in Ramlilas across the city today marked the culmination of the Dussehra festival, which signified the triumph of good over evil.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit were among a host of luminaries from the world of politics present at a largely attended function at Ramlila Maidan where the idols of Ravana, Kumbhakarana were burnt to signify the triumph of good over evil.

Others present at the Ramlila grounds to witness the effigy of Ravana go up in flames were Priyanka Vadra, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Jai Prakash Agarwal.

The day saw the effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and kumbhakarana being burnt in several parts of the city by Ramlila committees of different areas.

This year though the Dussehra festivities have been somewhat subdued due to the stringent security put in force by the police in view of the September 13 serial blasts in the city.

With a cordon of security thrown across the city, the attendance at the Dussehra celebrations was much lower compared to the previous years with many people opting to stay at home and watch the festivities on their televisions sets.

Still, thousands of people thronged to the Ramlila pandals across the city, notwithstanding the stringent security and the fear psychosis in the wake of the blasts.

Traffic jams were also witnessed in several areas.

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