Dussehra 2020, Vijay Dashmi 2020 HIGHLIGHTS: Devotees Follow Covid-19 Norms While Visiting Temples In Certain Places, Shocking Violation Seen In Others
Dussehra 2020, Vijay Dashmi 2020 HIGHLIGHTS: On this day, Goddess Durga slayed the demon king Mahishasura and Lord Rama defeated King Ravana, both are symbols of good being ultimately victorious over evil.
ABP News Bureau
Last Updated:
26 Oct 2020 03:58 PM
Telugu states celebrate Dussehra on a subdued note
Dussehra was celebrated across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on Sunday with devotion but on a subdued note due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The usual festive buzz was missing in both the Telugu states. Wearing masks and maintaining social distance, people visited temples to offer prayers to Goddess Durga on the occasion of Vijayadashami.
Clad in their festive best, people thronged temples, from the crack of dawn, to worship the Goddess. Temples were decked up with lights and flowers and special pujas conducted as part of celebrations.
Dussehra was celebrated across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on Sunday with devotion but on a subdued note due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The usual festive buzz was missing in both the Telugu states. Wearing masks and maintaining social distance, people visited temples to offer prayers to Goddess Durga on the occasion of Vijayadashami.
Clad in their festive best, people thronged temples, from the crack of dawn, to worship the Goddess. Temples were decked up with lights and flowers and special pujas conducted as part of celebrations.
A temple where Ravan is worshipped on Dusshera
Even as the rest of India prepares to burn effigies of Ravan as a symbolic victory of good over evil, devotees are quietly lining up outside a nondescript temple in Kanpur.
This temple that opens its door for devotees only for one day in a year -- Dussehra -- is dedicated to the Lankan king Ravan.
Devotees come from far and wide to worship Ravan on the day he was slain by Lord Ram.
Even as the rest of India prepares to burn effigies of Ravan as a symbolic victory of good over evil, devotees are quietly lining up outside a nondescript temple in Kanpur.
This temple that opens its door for devotees only for one day in a year -- Dussehra -- is dedicated to the Lankan king Ravan.
Devotees come from far and wide to worship Ravan on the day he was slain by Lord Ram.
Sonia extends greetings, appeals people to be cautious about covid, attacks Centre
Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Sunday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Vijayadashmi. In her message, she said the nine-day puja festival is a symbol of victory over injustice and ego.
Attacking the Union government, she said, "Vijaya Dashami's biggest message is that people are paramount in governance and there is no place for arrogance, falsehood and breaking of promises in a ruler's life."
She hoped that this Dussehra will not only bring happiness, peace and prosperity in everyone's life but also strengthen harmony and cultural values among people.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Sunday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Vijayadashmi. In her message, she said the nine-day puja festival is a symbol of victory over injustice and ego.
Attacking the Union government, she said, "Vijaya Dashami's biggest message is that people are paramount in governance and there is no place for arrogance, falsehood and breaking of promises in a ruler's life."
She hoped that this Dussehra will not only bring happiness, peace and prosperity in everyone's life but also strengthen harmony and cultural values among people.
New Delhi: Commitee members and craftsmen work on a 'corona effigy' of demon King Ravana at Balaji Ramlila Committee ground, ahead of the Dussehra festival, in East Delhi. (PTI Photo/Manvender Vashist)
New Delhi: Commitee members and craftsmen work on a 'corona effigy' of demon King Ravana at Balaji Ramlila Committee ground, ahead of the Dussehra festival, in East Delhi. (PTI Photo/Manvender Vashist)
Ahmedabad: A police officer does 'Shastra Puja' on the occasion of Dussehra and Vijay Dashmi. (PTI Photo)
Ahmedabad: A police officer does 'Shastra Puja' on the occasion of Dussehra and Vijay Dashmi. (PTI Photo)
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia releases the arrow with a bow towards an effigy of Ravana during the Dussehra celebrations of Luv Kush Ramleela Committee, at his residence in New Delhi. (PTI Photo/Kamal Singh)
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia releases the arrow with a bow towards an effigy of Ravana during the Dussehra celebrations of Luv Kush Ramleela Committee, at his residence in New Delhi. (PTI Photo/Kamal Singh)
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia releases the arrow with a bow towards an effigy of Ravana during the Dussehra celebrations of Luv Kush Ramleela Committee, at his residence in New Delhi. (PTI Photo/Kamal Singh)
Mirzapur: Devotees wait to offer prayers at Vindhyavasini temple on the occasion of Dussehra. However, everyone present has very visibly ignored the Covid-19 precautionary norm of maintaining social distancing. (PTI Photo)
Mirzapur: Devotees wait to offer prayers at Vindhyavasini temple on the occasion of Dussehra. However, everyone present has very visibly ignored the Covid-19 precautionary norm of maintaining social distancing. (PTI Photo)
Vrindavan: Devotees, adhering to social distancing norms, offer prayers at Lord Bankey Bihari temple after it reopened for visitors after being shut for two days due to overcrowding, amid the coronavirus pandemic. (PTI Photo)
Vrindavan: Devotees, adhering to social distancing norms, offer prayers at Lord Bankey Bihari temple after it reopened for visitors after being shut for two days due to overcrowding, amid the coronavirus pandemic. (PTI Photo)
Defence Minister Rajath Singh performs 'Shastra Puja' on Dussehra & Vijay Dashmi at the Sukna Army Camp in Darjeeling. (PTI Photo)
Defence Minister Rajath Singh performs 'Shastra Puja' on Dussehra & Vijay Dashmi at the Sukna Army Camp in Darjeeling. (PTI Photo)
Defence Minister Rajath Singh performs 'Shastra Puja' on Dussehra & Vijay Dashmi at the Sukna Army Camp in Darjeeling. (PTI Photo)
"During festivals, do remember lockdown times when we got to know the close associates in our society without whom our lives would have been very difficult. Sanitization workers, housekeepers, and guards were with us in difficult times and now during festivals, we have to take them along": PM Narendra Modi said in his Mann Ki Baat address.
"This time, amid the enthusiasm of the festivals, when you go shopping make sure to remember your resolve of 'vocal for local.' When purchasing goods from the market give priority to local products,": PM Narendra Modi said in his Mann Ki Baat address.
"Dussehra is also a festival of victory of patience over crises. Today, all of you are living with great restraint, celebrating festivals with modesty. Therefore, in the Covid 19 battle that we are fighting victory is certain,": PM Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat address.
"Dussehra is also a festival of victory of patience over crises. Today, all of you are living with great restraint, celebrating festivals with modesty. Therefore, in the Covid 19 battle that we are fighting victory is certain,": PM Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat address.
"Dussehra is also a festival of victory of patience over crises. Today, all of you are living with great restraint, celebrating festivals with modesty. Therefore, in the Covid 19 battle that we are fighting victory is certain,": PM Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat address.
"Dussehra is also a festival of victory of patience over crises. Today, all of you are living with great restraint, celebrating festivals with modesty. Therefore, in the Covid 19 battle that we are fighting victory is certain,": PM Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat address.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh performs ‘Shastra Puja’ at Sukna War Memorial in Darjeeling, West Bengal.
Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane also present.
Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane also present.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh performs ‘Shastra Puja’ at Sukna War Memorial in Darjeeling, West Bengal.
Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane also present.
Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane also present.
PM Narendra Modi's Hindi tweet translates to: "Best wishes to all Indians on Vijayadashami. May this festival of victory of good over evil and truth over untruth bring new inspiration in everyone's life".
PM Narendra Modi's Hindi tweet translates to: "Best wishes to all Indians on Vijayadashami. May this festival of victory of good over evil and truth over untruth bring new inspiration in everyone's life".
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval participates in Ganga aarti during the Navratri festival, in Rishikesh. (Image: PTI)
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval participates in Ganga aarti during the Navratri festival, in Rishikesh. (Image: PTI)
While Durga Puja pandals have come up here and there in some areas of Delhi in very limited numbers this year, Ashtami or the eighth day of Navratri had a desolate look with no sense of festivity.
One such Durga Puja is by the Chanakyapuri Puja Samity held in the diplomatic enclave. A large sprawling pandal decorated in blood red and white, had virtually a handful of people. There was no Durga idol this time. Instead a photo of the Goddess was put up.
One such Durga Puja is by the Chanakyapuri Puja Samity held in the diplomatic enclave. A large sprawling pandal decorated in blood red and white, had virtually a handful of people. There was no Durga idol this time. Instead a photo of the Goddess was put up.
Gorakhpur: Devotees queue up to offer prayers at Budhiya Mata temple during the ongoing Navratri festival on Saturday, October 24. (PTI Photos)
Gorakhpur: Devotees queue up to offer prayers at Budhiya Mata temple during the ongoing Navratri festival on Saturday, October 24. (PTI Photos)
Gorakhpur: Devotees queue up to offer prayers at Budhiya Mata temple during the ongoing Navratri festival on Saturday, October 24. (PTI Photos)
Gorakhpur: Devotees queue up to offer prayers at Budhiya Mata temple during the ongoing Navratri festival on Saturday, October 24. (PTI Photos)
Patna: A priest performs 'kumari puja' on the occasion of Durga Ashtami at Ramkrishna Mission Ashram on Saturday, October 24. (PTI Photo)
Patna: A priest performs 'kumari puja' on the occasion of Durga Ashtami at Ramkrishna Mission Ashram on Saturday, October 24. (PTI Photo)
Kolkata: BCCI President Sourav Ganguly at a community pandal in Kolkata for Durga Puja on Maha Ashtami. (PTI Photo)
Kolkata: BCCI President Sourav Ganguly at a community pandal in Kolkata for Durga Puja on Maha Ashtami. (PTI Photo)
Kolkata: BCCI President Sourav Ganguly at a community pandal in Kolkata for Durga Puja on Maha Ashtami. (PTI Photo)
Kerala: Devotees offer prayers at Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram on Maha Ashtami today. (Photos: ANI)
Kerala: Devotees offer prayers at Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram on Maha Ashtami today. (Photos: ANI)
Kerala: Devotees offer prayers at Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram on Maha Ashtami today. (Photos: ANI)
Kerala: Devotees offer prayers at Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram on Maha Ashtami today. (Photos: ANI)
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's tweet in Hindi translates to "Heartfelt greetings for Maha Ashtami on the auspicious festival of Mahagauri pujan and Kanya Punjan".
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's tweet in Hindi translates to "Heartfelt greetings for Maha Ashtami on the auspicious festival of Mahagauri pujan and Kanya Punjan".
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's tweet in Hindi translates to "Heartfelt greetings for Maha Ashtami on the auspicious festival of Mahagauri pujan and Kanya Punjan".
Trinamool Congress MP Nusrat Jahan offers prayers for Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami at Kolkata's Suruchi Sangha. (Photos: ANI)
Trinamool Congress MP Nusrat Jahan offers prayers for Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami at Kolkata's Suruchi Sangha. (Photos: ANI)
Trinamool Congress MP Nusrat Jahan offers prayers for Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami at Kolkata's Suruchi Sangha. (Photos: ANI)
Trinamool Congress MP Nusrat Jahan offers prayers for Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami at Kolkata's Suruchi Sangha. (Photos: ANI)
Trinamool Congress MP Nusrat Jahan offers prayers for Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami at Kolkata's Suruchi Sangha. (Photos: ANI)
Devotees offer prayers at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata's Deshapriyo Park on Durga Ashtami. (Photos: ANI)
Devotees offer prayers at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata's Deshapriyo Park on Durga Ashtami. (Photos: ANI)
Devotees offer prayers at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata's Deshapriyo Park on Durga Ashtami. (Photos: ANI)
Devotees offer prayers at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata's Deshapriyo Park on Durga Ashtami. (Photos: ANI)
Devotees offer prayers at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata's Deshapriyo Park on Durga Ashtami. (Photos: ANI)
Devotees offer prayers at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata's Deshapriyo Park on Durga Ashtami. (Photos: ANI)
Devotees offer prayers at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata's Deshapriyo Park on Durga Ashtami. (Photos: ANI)
Devotees offer prayers at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata's Deshapriyo Park on Durga Ashtami. (Photos: ANI)
From Hatibagan Sarbojonin in the north to Naktala Udayan Sangha and Deshopriyo Park in the south, the buzz and the long wait near the pandal of past years was conspicuously absent as the handful of visitors came before the barricaded 'no entry' point to see the idol, the theme, the interiors and the illumination from a distance on Friday.
Braving light rains, many people visited the puja pandals on Mahasaptami the second day of the five-day festivities in Kolkata, but the usual crowd of previous years was missing due to the pandemic situation and the high court order making the marquees as no-entry zones.
Greeting citizens on the eve of Durga Puja, President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that people should take a firm resolve to respect and empower womenfolk i.e. Matru-shakti. The age-old festival of Durga Puja is celebrated all over India, especially in eastern part of India for ten days, he said.
Jaipur: Effigies of demon king Ravana put on display for sale along a roadside at Gurjar ki Thari ahead of Dussehra Festival. (Image: PTI)
Jaipur: Effigies of demon king Ravana put on display for sale along a roadside at Gurjar ki Thari ahead of Dussehra Festival. (Image: PTI)
A priest performs Mahasaptami rituals at a Durga Puja pandal as a video is made to help devotees attend celebrations online, amid COVID-19 pandemic, in Ranchi. (Image: PTI)
A priest performs Mahasaptami rituals at a Durga Puja pandal as a video is made to help devotees attend celebrations online, amid COVID-19 pandemic, in Ranchi. (Image: PTI)
A priest performs Mahasaptami rituals at a Durga Puja pandal as a video is made to help devotees attend celebrations online, amid COVID-19 pandemic, in Ranchi. (Image: PTI)
A priest performs Mahasaptami rituals at a Durga Puja pandal as a video is made to help devotees attend celebrations online, amid COVID-19 pandemic, in Ranchi. (Image: PTI)
Navratri 2020, Saptami PujaDevotees perform rituals with sacred banana plant on the bank of Ganga river in Kolkata during the Maha Saptami Puja. (PTI Photo)
Navratri 2020, Saptami PujaDevotees perform rituals with sacred banana plant on the bank of Ganga river in Kolkata during the Maha Saptami Puja. (PTI Photo)
Navratri 2020, Saptami Puja Women perform rituals after Kola Bou procession on the occasion of Maha Saptami in Dhanbad. (PTI Photo)
Kola Bou! She is worshipped during Durga Puja in Bengal and the neighboring states.She is represented as a banana tree, also known as the banana bride, and ritually transformed into Goddess.
Kola Bou! She is worshipped during Durga Puja in Bengal and the neighboring states.She is represented as a banana tree, also known as the banana bride, and ritually transformed into Goddess.
Navratri 2020, Saptami Puja Women perform rituals after Kola Bou procession on the occasion of Maha Saptami in Dhanbad. (PTI Photo)
Kola Bou! She is worshipped during Durga Puja in Bengal and the neighboring states.She is represented as a banana tree, also known as the banana bride, and ritually transformed into Goddess.
Kola Bou! She is worshipped during Durga Puja in Bengal and the neighboring states.She is represented as a banana tree, also known as the banana bride, and ritually transformed into Goddess.
Navratri 2020, Saptami Puja Devotees perform Aarti at a community pandal during the ongoing Durga Puja festival in Prayagraj (PTI Photo)
Navratri 2020, Saptami Puja Devotees perform Aarti at a community pandal during the ongoing Durga Puja festival in Prayagraj (PTI Photo)
Navratri 2020, Saptami Puja Devotees perform Aarti at a community pandal during the ongoing Durga Puja festival in Prayagraj (PTI Photo)
Navratri 2020, Saptami Puja Kalaratri is considered to be the destroyer of darkness and evil. According to scriptures, Parvati came to be known as Kalaratri Mata after she shed her golden skin to kill two demons, Shumbha and Nishumbha. Kalratri is also known as Goddess Kali, another avatar of Shakti.
Devotees in Bihar's capital city Patna worship the idol of Goddess Durga amid the Navaratri celebrations being observed in the country. (Photo: PTI)
Devotees in Bihar's capital city Patna worship the idol of Goddess Durga amid the Navaratri celebrations being observed in the country. (Photo: PTI)
Vijayawada: Musicians from Kerala play traditional drums in the Durga Puja procession during the Navratri festival in front of the Kanaka Durga temple. (PTI Photo)
Vijayawada: Musicians from Kerala play traditional drums in the Durga Puja procession during the Navratri festival in front of the Kanaka Durga temple. (PTI Photo)
Kolkata: Idol of Goddess Durga with gold ornaments at a community puja pandal during the Durga Puja celebrations on Thursday, October 22. (PTI Photo/Ashok Bhaumik)
Kolkata: Idol of Goddess Durga with gold ornaments at a community puja pandal during the Durga Puja celebrations on Thursday, October 22. (PTI Photo/Ashok Bhaumik)
Kolkata: Idol of Goddess Durga with gold ornaments at a community puja pandal during the Durga Puja celebrations on Thursday, October 22. (PTI Photo/Ashok Bhaumik)
"We used to have a lot of customers every Navratri but there's a lull this year. We're getting fewer customers and sale is very low. Hope it increases gradually," a seller in Lucknow's Bhoothnath Market said. (Photo: ANI)
"We used to have a lot of customers every Navratri but there's a lull this year. We're getting fewer customers and sale is very low. Hope it increases gradually," a seller in Lucknow's Bhoothnath Market said. (Photo: ANI)
Sellers in Lucknow's Bhoothnath Market revealed that their business has taken a hit amid the Coronavirus pandemic as people are not venturing out as much and the usual celebratory environ is absent this year. (Photo: ANI)
Sellers in Lucknow's Bhoothnath Market revealed that their business has taken a hit amid the Coronavirus pandemic as people are not venturing out as much and the usual celebratory environ is absent this year. (Photo: ANI)
Kolkata: Devotees wearing PPE kit perform 'Dandiya' at a community puja pandal, during Durga Puja celebrations on Thursday, October 22. (Photos: PTI/Swapan Mahapatra)
Kolkata: Devotees wearing PPE kit perform 'Dandiya' at a community puja pandal, during Durga Puja celebrations on Thursday, October 22. (Photos: PTI/Swapan Mahapatra)
Kolkata: Devotees wearing PPE kit perform 'Dandiya' at a community puja pandal, during Durga Puja celebrations on Thursday, October 22. (Photos: PTI/Swapan Mahapatra)
Kolkata: Devotees wearing PPE kit perform 'Dandiya' at a community puja pandal, during Durga Puja celebrations on Thursday, October 22. (Photos: PTI/Swapan Mahapatra)
Kolkata: An idol of Devi Durga made from thermocol at a community puja pandal, during Durga Puja celebrations on Thursday, October 22. (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)
Kolkata: An idol of Devi Durga made from thermocol at a community puja pandal, during Durga Puja celebrations on Thursday, October 22. (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)
A Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata's Kumartuli Park has been based on the theme of wearing masks amid Coronavirus spread. (Photos: ANI)
A Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata's Kumartuli Park has been based on the theme of wearing masks amid Coronavirus spread. (Photos: ANI)
A Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata's Kumartuli Park has been based on the theme of wearing masks amid Coronavirus spread. (Photos: ANI)
A Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata's Kumartuli Park has been based on the theme of wearing masks amid Coronavirus spread. (Photos: ANI)
The five days of Durga Puja are Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dashami.
Apart from Goddess Durga, Goddess Laxmi and Saraswati, and Lord Ganesha and Kartika, considered to be her children, are also worshipped.
Apart from Goddess Durga, Goddess Laxmi and Saraswati, and Lord Ganesha and Kartika, considered to be her children, are also worshipped.
Katyayani Maa is worshipped on Shasthi in the Shukla Paksha tithi. Puja for Maa Katyayani is usually done with red or yellow flowers. Devotees perform the puja early in the morning. As the colour of Katyayani is red, many women wear a red saree today.
During the virtual inauguration, PM Modi also urged people to follow Covid-19 precautions by saying, "We're all celebrating Durga Puja this year amidst the Covid pandemic. Everyone has shown immense control and commitment for the arrangements while also ensuring that the flavour remains the same".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a puja pandal in Kolkata via video conferencing today.
In his virtual address, he said: "It feels like I am in Bengal with you. Blessed to be able to celebrate with you".
In his virtual address, he said: "It feels like I am in Bengal with you. Blessed to be able to celebrate with you".
In Kolkata, devotees were seen wearing PPE kit while performing 'Dandiya' at a community puja pandal as a part of Durga Puja celebrations. This year, many celebrations have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
In Kolkata, devotees were seen wearing PPE kit while performing 'Dandiya' at a community puja pandal as a part of Durga Puja celebrations. This year, many celebrations have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
In Kolkata, devotees were seen wearing PPE kit while performing 'Dandiya' at a community puja pandal as a part of Durga Puja celebrations. This year, many celebrations have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Maa Katyayani is one of the most powerful forms of Devi Durga, as she is hailed as the warrior-goddess. It is believed that this form of Devi Maa eliminated Mahishasura. She is known as Katyayani because she was brought up by a sage named Katya.
Navratri MuhuratSashti Tithi began at 9:07 AM on October 21 and shall end at 7:39 AM on October 22.
Navratri MuhuratSashti Tithi began at 9:07 AM on October 21 and shall end at 7:39 AM on October 22.
Navratri 2020On the 6th day of Navratri, Devi Maa assumes the form of Katyayani: As daughter of sage Katyayan, she is a fierce manifestation of Durga
Background
Dussehra 2020: Dussehra or Vijayadashami marks the end of the Durga Puja and the festival of Navratri as it falls on the tenth day of Ashwin as per the Hindu calendar. This year Dashmi is on October 25, ie today. ALSO READ | Horoscope Today, 25 October 2020: Know What Is Best For You To Do On Vijay Dashami As Per Your Sun Sign
Significance
On this day, Goddess Durga slayed the demon king Mahishasura and Lord Rama defeated King Ravana, both are symbols of good being ultimately victorious over evil. While Dashmi marks the end of Navratri it also witnesses preparation for the festival of lights Diwali, which falls approximately twenty days after Dussehra.
Timings
According to Drikpanchang, this year Dashami Tithi begins at 7:41 am on October 25, and ends at 9:00 am on October 26. For Vijay Dashami in West Bengal, the Aparahna puja time is from 1:13 pm to 3.28 pm on October 26 while the mahurat for the day, in general, is between 1:58 pm and 2.43 pm today.
Celebrations
Navratri literally translates to nine nights. During this period, different forms of the goddess Durga are worshipped. These include Shilaputri, Brahmacharni, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandama, Katyayani, Kalratri, Maha Gauri, and Siddhidatri. This year there was a confluence of Ashtami and Navami as both fell on October 24.
Jyoti Kalash, Kumari Puja, Sandhi Puja, Navami Homa, Lalitha Vrat and Chandi Path are some of the other famous rituals observed during the nine days of Navratri.
On this day, effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakaran are burnt. People portray the life of Lord Rama through ballads and plays. Goddess Durga is immersed in water by the devotees as it signifies the departure of Goddess Durga from the material world after maintaining Dharma.
Meanwhile, the Coronavirus pandemic has changed the festivities as there is a visibly less fervour because of the restrictions that need to be followed. Several temples witnessed lesser devotees and sellers reported a huge drop in people buying materials needed for worship. MHA has issued guidelines seeing the festival period and people are strongly advised to follow them to keep up the spirit of the period.
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