Modi celebrates Dussehra, hails festival as symbol of truth's victory

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday joined celebrations marking Dussehra in the national capital, emphasizing the festival's significance as a reaffirmation of eternal values. Speaking at the event, Modi highlighted Ramlila performances and Dussehra observances as profound cultural expressions rooted in India's civilizational heritage.

The Prime Minister described the festival as embodying a fundamental belief system centered on the triumph of truth over falsehood. According to Modi, Dussehra represents humanity's collective conviction in the eventual defeat of tyranny and terror, transcending its role as merely a religious or cultural occasion.

Dussehra, celebrated across India with considerable fanfare, marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana in Hindu mythology. The festival, which culminates months of Ramlila performances enacting episodes from the Ramayana, holds deep cultural significance for millions of Indians. Modi's participation underscored the government's emphasis on preserving and promoting traditional cultural practices as integral to India's national identity.

The Prime Minister's remarks aligned with broader themes of his administration regarding India's civilizational values and their contemporary relevance. Such high-profile engagements with cultural festivals have become regular features of the government's calendar, reflecting the emphasis placed on connecting political leadership with grassroots celebrations.