New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared stage with his predecessor Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi here when they joined thousands of people to celebrate Dussehra.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari led the celebrations at Subhash Maidan in north Delhi here in the presence of Modi, Singh and Gandhi.
Addressing the gathering in Hindi, President Mukherjee said the day symbolises victory of good over evil. "It inspires us to face difficulties... come, let us work together for development," he said in his brief address.
Prime Minister Modi also exchanged pleasantries with Dr. Singh and Sonia Gandhi, who lit the ceremonial lamp, at the event.
Before 'Ravan Dahan' when Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran are burnt in effigies, the dignitaries released white pigeons -- considered symbol of peace.
Before reaching the dais, the leaders lit the ceremonial lamp. They were also presented with traditional weapons such as bow and arrow, sword, trident and mace by the organisers. They also enjoyed the final act of Ram Lila where Ravan is killed in battle with Lord Ram.
Dussehra celebrations: Prez Pranab Mukherjee,PM Modi,Fmr PM Manmohan Singh & Cong Prez Sonia Gandhi at Subash Maidan pic.twitter.com/H2WeJSUZmH
— ANI (@ANI_news) October 3, 2014While Modi was dressed in saffron kurta and green Jawahar jacket, Singh was wearing his trademark white kurta-payjama.
People chanted Modi, Modi when he waved at the crowd. People were seen taking pictures on their mobile phones. Singh and Gandhi had reached the venue before the PM.
The President, Vice President, PM @narendramodi, former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh and Smt. Sonia Gandhi are at Vijaya Dashmi celebrations.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 3, 2014
Later, Modi, Singh and Gandhi received the Vice President and the President at the gates of the grounds. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan was also present.
After the celebrations at Subhash Maidan, Sonia and Singh reached Ramlila Maidan for another 'Ravan Dahan' event where they were joined by Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi. Congress leader J P Agarwal is one of the organisers of the celebrations at Ramlila Maidan.
PM Modi,Fmr PM Manmohan Singh & Cong Prez Sonia Gandhi at Subash Maidan to witness the burning of effigy of Ravana pic.twitter.com/7YpAvYtuPM
— ANI (@ANI_news) October 3, 2014
