New Delhi: Dussehra was celebrated nationwide on Saturday, with enthusiastic crowds gathering to witness the burning of effigies of Ravana, marking a grand conclusion to ten days of festivities filled with rituals, songs, dances, and processions.

Effigies of the demon king, along with those of his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnad, were set ablaze in open fields, igniting cheers from the crowds as firecrackers lit up the night sky.

Social media buzzed with vibrant, festive posts as people exchanged wishes for health and happiness.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the celebrations at the Red Fort Parade Ground, where they were warmly received by the organizers of the Sri Dharmik Leela Committee.

The festival commemorates Lord Rama’s defeat of the ten-headed demon king Ravana, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today greeted the nation on the occasion of Vijayadashami.

In a post on X, he wrote: "Best wishes to the countrymen on Vijayadashami. With the blessings of Maa Durga and Lord Shri Ram, I wish that all of you achieve victory in every sphere of life."

President Droupadi Murmu describe Dussehra or Vijayadashami as a symbol of truth and morality and urged the people to take the side of justice.

"On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the countrymen. This is the festival of victory of justice over injustice. This festival is a symbol of our belief in the values ​​of truth and morality. On this auspicious occasion, we should take a pledge that we will take the side of justice even in the most difficult situations. I wish that this holy festival brings happiness and prosperity in everyone's life and our country always moves forward on the path of development," the President wrote in a message on X.

Ram Leela, a theatrical performance depicting the life of Lord Ram, was staged in cities, towns, and villages. Actors donned costumes representing characters from the Ramayana, enacting scenes from the revered Hindu epic.