Raipur, October 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has said that Vijayadashami is not merely a festival celebrating the victory of good over evil, but a great cultural occasion that conveys the timeless message of remaining steadfast on the path of truth, righteousness, justice and humanity.
Addressing the Vijayadashami celebrations at the historic WRS Ground in Raipur, Sai said the life of Lord Ram teaches people that no matter how difficult or challenging the path of truth may be, truth and righteousness ultimately prevail.
He emphasised that whenever people face a choice between right and wrong, they must stand firmly with truth, justice and humanity, as their choices reflect their character and values.
Amid chants of “Jai Shri Ram” and the presence of thousands of people, the Chief Minister symbolically set fire to the giant effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad using a bow and arrow. He extended Vijayadashami greetings to the people of the state and wished them happiness, peace, prosperity and well-being.
Sai said Vijayadashami symbolises India's rich cultural heritage, social harmony and national unity. The festival connects people with their traditions while inspiring them to strengthen harmony, morality and human values.
He noted that Raipur's WRS Ground had been a witness to the city's Vijayadashami celebrations for more than five decades. The annual Ravana effigy burning serves as a reminder of the victory of righteousness over unrighteousness and truth over falsehood. The tradition also helps preserve cultural awareness and connect younger generations with Indian values.
Chhattisgarh's close association with Lord Ram
The Chief Minister said Vijayadashami held special significance for Chhattisgarh because of the state's deep cultural and spiritual association with Lord Ram. Chhattisgarh is traditionally regarded as the maternal home of Mata Kaushalya, Lord Ram's mother, and therefore his maternal home.
According to religious beliefs, Lord Ram spent a considerable period in the forests of Chhattisgarh during his exile, accompanied by Mata Sita and his younger brother Lakshman. Consequently, Lord Ram remains deeply rooted in the state's popular faith, culture and everyday life.
Sai said Lord Ram's life exemplified sacrifice, dignity, patience, courage and unwavering commitment to righteousness. Despite facing numerous hardships during his exile, he never abandoned his duties or principles.
He added that Ravana possessed immense military strength, weapons and a formidable army, while Lord Ram organised forest-dwelling communities and the vanara army to confront him. The episode demonstrates that truth, righteousness, determination and collective effort are more powerful than material resources or physical strength.
The Chief Minister said the burning of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad conveyed that those who support falsehood and unrighteousness must eventually face the consequences. He added that following Lord Ram's ideals required more than worship; it meant standing up for justice, supporting the vulnerable and discharging one's responsibilities honestly.
Operation Sindoor reflects India's resolve against terrorism
Referring to India's counterterrorism policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sai said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the country's firm commitment to national security. He asserted that India would not compromise on the security of the nation or the interests of its citizens.
He said the state government was committed to establishing lasting peace, security and development across Chhattisgarh, including Bastar. Creating an environment of trust, progress and prosperity in every region and ensuring that development reached the last person remained key priorities.
Ram Temple fulfils the faith of millions
Sai described the consecration of Ram Lalla at the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya as the fulfilment of a long-held aspiration rooted in the faith and efforts of millions of devotees.
He said January 22, 2024, would remain an important date in India's cultural and spiritual history, marking the consecration ceremony at the newly constructed temple. The occasion was a deeply emotional and historic moment for millions of devotees in India and around the world.
The Chief Minister said the Chhattisgarh government had launched the Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana to enable residents to visit Ayodhya and seek the blessings of Ram Lalla. More than 49,000 devotees from the state have benefited from the scheme so far.
He added that the government was committed to preserving and promoting Chhattisgarh's rich cultural heritage, religious traditions and sacred sites associated with Lord Ram.
Concluding his address, Sai urged people to imbibe Lord Ram's ideals and uphold truth, justice, harmony, compassion and humanity. He called upon citizens to contribute to building a peaceful, harmonious, secure and prosperous Chhattisgarh.
Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma and Raipur North MLA Purandar Mishra also addressed the gathering. Former MLA Kuldeep Singh Juneja, Jayanti Bhai Patel, Suryakant Rathore, organising committee head G. Swamy and other office-bearers and residents were present.
