Vijayadashami Symbolises Eternal Victory of Truth, Righteousness and Humanity: CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai aims a ceremonial bow and arrow to initiate the Ravana Dahan during the Vijayadashami celebrations at the historic WRS Ground in Raipur on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in the presence of Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma, public representatives and other dignitaries, symbolising the eternal victory of truth and righteousness over evil.Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/CMO

Chief Minister ceremonially sets ablaze effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad at Raipur’s historic WRS Ground; highlights Chhattisgarh’s spiritual connection with Lord Rama, India’s resolve against terrorism and the state’s commitment to peace and development

Key Highlights

• Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai leads Vijayadashami celebrations at Raipur’s historic WRS Ground on October 20, 2026.
• Giant effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad set ablaze during the celebrations.
• CM Sai calls upon citizens to uphold truth, justice, compassion and humanity in everyday life.
• Chief Minister highlights Chhattisgarh’s spiritual connection with Lord Rama as the maternal home of Mata Kaushalya.
• Sai refers to Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of India’s determination to combat terrorism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• State government’s campaign against Maoist violence in Bastar highlighted as part of its commitment to lasting peace.
• More than 49,000 devotees from Chhattisgarh have visited Ayodhya under the Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana.
• WRS Ground’s Vijayadashami celebrations continue a cultural tradition spanning more than five decades.

Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, said that Vijayadashami was not merely a celebration of the triumph of good over evil but an eternal reminder of humanity’s responsibility to uphold truth, righteousness, justice and moral values. Addressing thousands of devotees gathered at the historic WRS Ground in Raipur, the Chief Minister emphasised that the life of Lord Rama continued to inspire generations to stand firmly against injustice, irrespective of the difficulties they might encounter. Amid enthusiastic chants of Jai Shri Ram, Sai ceremonially initiated the burning of towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad using a bow and arrow, marking the culmination of the Vijayadashami festivities.

Vijayadashami Inspires Society to Stand Firmly for Truth and Justice

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sai said the festival carried a message that extended far beyond the traditional celebration of Ravana’s defeat.

He explained that Vijayadashami represented the enduring triumph of righteousness over wrongdoing and reminded individuals of their moral responsibilities towards society.

A towering effigy of Ravana goes up in flames during the traditional Vijayadashami celebrations at Raipur’s historic WRS Ground on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, as the ceremonial Ravana Dahan marks the triumph of good over evil and the enduring significance of Lord Rama’s victory over unrighteousness. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/CMO

“Vijayadashami is not merely a festival celebrating the victory of good over evil. It conveys the eternal message that we must remain steadfast on the path of truth, righteousness, justice and humanity. Lord Rama’s life teaches us that however difficult and challenging the path of truth may be, truth and righteousness ultimately prevail,” Sai said.

The Chief Minister emphasised that a person’s character was ultimately defined by the principles they chose to uphold when confronted with difficult moral decisions.

“Whenever life presents us with a choice between right and wrong, we must always stand on the side of truth, justice and humanity. The side we choose reflects the true nature of our character and values,” he added.

He extended his Vijayadashami greetings to the people of Chhattisgarh and wished them happiness, peace, prosperity and well-being.

WRS Ground Preserves a Five-Decade-Old Cultural Tradition

Referring to the historical importance of the WRS Ground celebrations, the Chief Minister said the venue had witnessed the Vijayadashami festival for more than five decades.

The annual burning of Ravana’s effigy, he observed, had become an important part of Raipur’s cultural identity and a means of passing traditional values from one generation to another.

“For more than five decades, Raipur’s WRS Ground has preserved the glorious tradition of Vijayadashami celebrations. The annual Ravana Dahan reminds society that righteousness ultimately triumphs over unrighteousness and truth over falsehood,” Sai said.

He described the festival as an expression of India’s rich cultural heritage, social harmony and national unity.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addresses the gathering during the Vijayadashami celebrations at the historic WRS Ground in Raipur on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, emphasising the eternal relevance of Lord Rama’s ideals of truth, justice, righteousness and humanity while calling upon citizens to contribute towards building a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous Chhattisgarh. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/CMO

The Chief Minister maintained that cultural celebrations played an important role in connecting younger generations with the ethical and spiritual foundations of Indian civilisation.

Chhattisgarh Shares a Deep Spiritual Bond with Lord Rama

Highlighting the special significance of Vijayadashami for Chhattisgarh, Sai recalled the state’s longstanding religious and cultural association with Lord Rama.

According to traditional belief, Chhattisgarh is regarded as the maternal home of Mata Kaushalya, the mother of Lord Rama, and consequently as Lord Rama’s maternal homeland.

Religious traditions also associate the state’s forested regions with Lord Rama’s exile alongside Mata Sita and Lakshmana.

“Chhattisgarh has a deep and affectionate relationship with Lord Rama. Our state is regarded as the maternal home of Mata Kaushalya and the maternal homeland of Lord Rama. His presence is deeply embedded in the faith, culture and everyday lives of our people,” Sai said.

The Chief Minister described Lord Rama’s life as an extraordinary example of sacrifice, dignity, patience, courage and unwavering commitment to duty.

He observed that despite enduring hardships during his exile, Lord Rama never abandoned his responsibilities or deviated from the principles of righteousness.

Truth and Righteousness Are Greater Than Physical Strength

Drawing lessons from the Ramayana, the Chief Minister said Ravana possessed enormous military strength, powerful weapons and an army of formidable warriors.

Lord Rama, on the other hand, was living in exile and had gathered the support of forest communities and the Vanara army.

Yet, through determination, unity and adherence to righteousness, Lord Rama emerged victorious.

“Ravana possessed immense military power, weapons and mighty warriors, while Lord Rama was living in exile. By uniting the forest dwellers and the Vanara army, Lord Rama defeated a powerful adversary. This teaches us that truth, righteousness, determination and collective effort are far greater strengths than material resources or physical might,” Sai said.

He emphasised that Lord Rama’s struggle against Ravana represented more than a military confrontation.

It symbolised the struggle to establish justice and righteousness against oppression, injustice and wrongdoing.

Supporting Unrighteousness Also Carries Consequences

The Chief Minister said the burning of the effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhakarna alongside Ravana carried an important moral message.

He explained that those who support wrongdoing cannot escape its consequences merely because they possess power or influence.

“The burning of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna reminds us that those who support falsehood and unrighteousness must ultimately face the consequences. We must therefore place truth, justice, compassion and humanity above everything else,” Sai said.

The Chief Minister maintained that following Lord Rama’s ideals required more than religious worship or ceremonial observances.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma and other dignitaries, poses with artists dressed as Lord Rama, Mata Sita, Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman during the Vijayadashami celebrations at WRS Ground in Raipur on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, highlighting the festival’s cultural and spiritual significance. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/CMO

“The true way to follow Lord Rama is to incorporate his values into our conduct. Standing for justice, supporting the weak and needy, and fulfilling our duties with honesty reflect the fundamental spirit of Ram Rajya,” he observed.

Operation Sindoor Demonstrates India’s Resolve Against Terrorism: Sai

During his address, the Chief Minister also referred to India’s national security policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He described Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of the country’s determination to confront terrorism and protect its citizens.

“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has demonstrated its firm resolve against terrorism through Operation Sindoor. The country has made it clear that there can be no compromise when it comes to national security and the interests of its citizens,” Sai said.

He linked the message of Vijayadashami with the responsibility of protecting society from violence, injustice and threats to peace.

Chhattisgarh Committed to Lasting Peace and Development in Bastar

The Chief Minister also highlighted the state government’s efforts to establish lasting peace, security and development in regions affected by Maoist violence.

He said Bastar and other parts of Chhattisgarh were witnessing efforts to strengthen public confidence and expand development opportunities.

“Our government is moving forward with the firm resolve to establish lasting peace, security and development across Chhattisgarh. Creating an atmosphere of confidence, progress and prosperity in Bastar and every other region remains our highest priority,” Sai said.

He maintained that sustainable development required peace and security alongside improvements in infrastructure and public services.

“Our objective is to ensure that the benefits of development reach the last person in society in an atmosphere of peace and security,” the Chief Minister added.

Ram Mandir Consecration a Historic Moment of Faith and Cultural Pride

Recalling the consecration of Ram Lalla at the newly constructed Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, the Chief Minister described the occasion as a defining moment in India’s cultural and spiritual history.

He said the construction of the temple represented the fulfilment of the faith and aspirations of millions of devotees.

“January 22, 2024, will forever remain inscribed in golden letters in India’s cultural and spiritual history. The consecration of Ram Lalla at the magnificent Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya was an emotional, glorious and historic moment for millions of devotees across the world,” Sai said.

He described the occasion as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, faith and commitment to one’s aspirations.

Over 49,000 Chhattisgarh Devotees Visit Ayodhya Under Ramlala Darshan Yojana

The Chief Minister highlighted the state government’s Shri Ramlala Ayodhya Dham Darshan Yojana, which facilitates pilgrimage visits to Ayodhya for eligible devotees from Chhattisgarh.

According to Sai, more than 49,000 devotees from the state have benefited from the scheme.

“Recognising the deep devotion of the people of Chhattisgarh towards Lord Rama, our government introduced the Shri Ramlala Ayodhya Dham Darshan Yojana. Through this initiative, more than 49,000 devotees from the state have received the opportunity to visit Ayodhya and seek the blessings of Ram Lalla,” the Chief Minister said.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage, religious traditions and places of spiritual significance.

CM Calls for a Peaceful, Harmonious and Prosperous Chhattisgarh

Concluding his address, Chief Minister Sai appealed to citizens to make Lord Rama’s teachings part of their everyday conduct.

He said truthfulness, compassion, mutual respect, justice and commitment to duty were essential for building a harmonious society.

“Let us all imbibe the ideals of Lord Rama in our lives. By following the path of truth, justice, harmony, compassion and humanity, and by fulfilling our responsibilities with sincerity, we can collectively build a peaceful, secure, harmonious and prosperous Chhattisgarh,” Sai said.

The Chief Minister once again extended Vijayadashami greetings to the people of the state.

Public Representatives and Thousands of Citizens Attend Celebrations

Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma and Raipur North MLA Purandar Mishra also addressed the programme.

Former MLA Kuldeep Singh Juneja, Jayanti Bhai Patel, Suryakant Rathore, organising committee head G. Swamy, representatives of the National Club, members of the organising committee and a large number of citizens attended the celebrations.

The traditional Ravana Dahan ceremony, accompanied by chants of Jai Shri Ram and enthusiastic participation from devotees, marked the culmination of the festivities at WRS Ground.

The celebration reaffirmed the cultural significance of Vijayadashami as a festival that connects religious traditions with enduring values of truth, justice, courage and social responsibility.