Dr. S. K. Pal, AD Forensic Sciences, Junga, extended warm greetings to the people of Himachal Pradesh on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, wishing peace, happiness, prosperity and good health for every family. He also conveyed his heartfelt festive wishes to Gopal Sharma, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister, and wished him and his family happiness, success and well-being.
Highlighting the religious and cultural significance of Dussehra, Dr. Pal said the festival symbolises the victory of good over evil, truth over falsehood and righteousness over injustice. Celebrated across India with great devotion and enthusiasm, Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, as narrated in the Hindu epic Ramayana.
According to the epic, Ravana abducted Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. After an intense battle, Lord Rama defeated Ravana and rescued Sita, symbolising the triumph of virtue, courage and justice over arrogance, greed and wrongdoing. The festival is also associated with Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, representing the power of good to overcome evil.
Dr. Pal said Dussehra is not merely a festival of religious celebration but also an occasion to reflect on the deeper values it represents. The burning of Ravana’s effigies serves as a reminder that pride, anger, dishonesty and ego can ultimately lead to one’s downfall. He emphasised that the true spirit of Dussehra lies in overcoming these negative qualities within ourselves and choosing the path of honesty, compassion, discipline and righteousness.
He further observed that the festival holds special cultural significance in Himachal Pradesh, where traditions and celebrations reflect the state’s rich heritage and devotion. The world-famous Kullu Dussehra, in particular, is celebrated with distinctive customs, as deities from various parts of the valley gather at Dhalpur ground, making it a unique expression of the region’s spiritual and cultural identity, he added.
Extending his message to the people of the state, Dr. Pal said festivals such as Dussehra strengthen social bonds, promote unity and remind people of the importance of mutual respect and harmony. He expressed hope that the occasion would inspire everyone to work towards a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Himachal Pradesh.
“The real wishes for Dussehra is how powerful evil may appear, truth and righteousness will ultimately prevail. Let us celebrate this festival by defeating negativity within ourselves, spreading kindness and strengthening the values of honesty, unity and humanity in society,” Dr. Pal said.
He also wished Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and a esteemed dignitaries with a joyful and blessed Dussehra, praying that the festival would bring new hope, happiness and prosperity to every home.
