This time Dasara will be different as we have done surgical strikes across the LOC. The much renowned Dasara celebrations at Aishbagh’s Ram Leela maidan here acquired new significance this year as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend it.
Though Modi could also deliver a short address at the function and shoot the first arrow in the symbolic slaying of Ravan, the programme is yet to be finalized.mTo suit Mr. Modi’s schedule, the timing of the Ravan dahan has been advanced to evening.
The Indians are describing it as a symbolic Dasara where good as won over evil. Modi for this time would be described as Rama and the Pakistan PM would be described as Ravana.
This is the first ever visit to the function by a sitting Prime Minister, provoking Opposition parties to accuse the BJP of politicising the festival. Earlier premiers have celebrated the festival in Delhi.
Coming at a time actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s “childhood dreams” of participating in Ram Leela in his hometown Budhana in Muzaffarnagar were thwarted after opposition by the Shiv Sena, Dasara has turned into a point of political discussion in the State, which goes to the polls in early next year.
At Aishbagh’s Ramleela maidan, artisans and workers from across religions are giving finishing touches to the elaborate stage and towering idol of Ravana — this time a record 121 feet tall to suit. Harishchandra Agarwal, convenor of the Ram Leela committee, said invites had traditionally been sent to Prime Ministers and Presidents, but Mr. Modi was the first one to oblige.
“We were not sure if he would accept it. But he has shown he has a big heart and acknowledged the historicity of the event, which dates centuries back when Tulsidas first staged it,” Mr. Agarwal said.
Former Prime Minister Charan Singh attended the event but he was not holding office then. There is every chance that the visit of Modi could be politicized by the opposition.
