Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 24 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, along with his wife Kamlesh Thakur, paid obeisance at Sri Hanuman Temple Jakhu, Shimla, on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra and prayed for the prosperity of the state and its people.

He also burnt the effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran on the occasion.

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The Chief Minister said that the festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. He urged the people to work collectively for the eradication of drug abuse from society.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Municipal Corporation Shimla Surender Chauhan, OSD to the Chief Minister Ritesh Kapret, Councillors of Shimla Municipal Corporation, Deputy Commissioner Aditya Negi, Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the people on the occasion of 'Vijaya Dashmi'.

"Best wishes to my family members across the country on Vijaya Dashmi. This holy festival brings the message of ending negative forces as well as adopting goodness in life. Wishing you all a Happy Vijaya Dashmi!" PM Modi wrote on 'X'

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is celebrated to symbolize the victory of good over evil. It commemorates the day when Lord Rama defeated Ravana, and this belief gave rise to the tradition of burning effigies of Ravana.

The 'Vijaya Dashmi' also marks the culmination of the nine-day-long Navratri festival.It is observed on the tenth day of the month of Ashvin, the seventh in the Hindu Luni-Solar Calendar.

The festival also starts the preparations for Diwali, which is celebrated twenty days after Vijayadashami. (ANI)

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