President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said that all citizens of India should work together for the progress of the nation and also maintain brotherhood in the country.
"Celebration of Dussehra is the symbol of victory of good over evil. Let us all work together for the progress of our nation and also maintain brotherhood in the country," said President Mukherjee while addressing the gathering at Subhash Maidan near the historic Red Fort here.
President Mukherjee, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan were among the dignitaries to witness the burning of the effigy of demon-king Ravana, the symbol of evil, at the Dussehra celebrations at Subhash Maidan.
Earlier, the leaders showered flowers on the actors, who played the lead characters of Rama, Lakshman and Hanuman. They also put ceremonial vermillion marks on the foreheads of the main actors.
The leaders at the event were also presented with mythological arms with a message and prayers to strengthen their power.
Adequate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure that the festival is celebrated peacefully.
