Dussehra celebrated in India; PM Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi attend function at Subhash Maidan

NEW DELHI: Giant effigies of demon king Ravana along with his brother Kumbhkarana and son Meghnad went up in flames today as country celebrated Dussehra symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

In the national capital, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Hamid Ansari were among a large number of dignitaries who watched the evil going up in smoke at the Parade Ground and Subhash Maidan near the historic Red Fort.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Lt Governor Tejendra Khanna and union Communications Minister Kapil Sibal were also present.

The President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister and a host of leaders had greeted the people on the joyous occasion hoping the festival would usher in peace, prosperity and happiness for all.

The capital was all in festive colours and people who were seen dressed in their festive best attended Ramlilas and watched the Ravana effigies going up in flames. Ramlilas, vivid enactments from the life of Lord Rama, were staged in large parts of the country during the nine days preceding the festival.

At sundown, the fire crackers-stuffed effigies, dotting grounds and open spaces in villages and towns, blazed and crackled in fiery splendour as crowds burst into cheers.As the effigies were set ablaze amid chants in praise of Lord Ram, people witnessed spectacular fireworks which illuminated the sky leaving many in awe.