Modi To Preside Over The Annihilation Of ‘Raavan Of Terrorism’ At Ram Lila

Ahmedabad: For the past several years, the Ram Lila at Lucknow has been known to personify a social evil as Raavan, who is then slain in the victorious battle of good over evil. The Raavan for the past three years was ‘corruption’ (2013), ‘crime against women’ (2014) and ‘cow slaughter’ (2015). This year the Raavan is ‘terrorism’.

The Ram Lila at Aishbagh assumes significance not only due to the composite culture of the city of Lucknow, but especially now in the light of the upcoming UP elections. Believed to have started during the period of Goswami Tulsidas in the16th century, The Ram Lila tradition here grew under the patronage of Awadh nawabs.

On Tuesday, Narendra Modi would become the first PM to preside over the ceremony where the demon of terrorism will be symbolically slain. Political observers feel that the PM’s speech here at the event on the occasion of Vijay Dashami, will set off the tone and tenor of the BJP strategy for the electoral battle ahead.

The organisers are however quick to point out that choosing the 'Raavan of terrorism' had nothing to do with the recent surgical strikes of the army in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, but rather reflects the universal scourge of terrorism and comes with a hope for its annihilation soon.

Security heightened ahead of Modi's Lucknow Dussehra visit

Meanwhile security was heightened in Lucknow on Tuesday ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the Dussehra celebrations here, police said.

Other than deploying the companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF), traffic was also diverted and security set in place for the high profile event taking place in the Aishbagh locality.

Convenor of the event, city Mayor and BJP national Vice President Dinesh Sharma informed that Modi would be witnessing the 'Ravan Vadh' during the Ram Lila programme.

People taking part in the celebrations would be allowed to enter the grounds between 3.30 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. Beyond that all entries would be stopped.

Modi along with Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Governor Ram Naik and the minister representing Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav would attend the event.

Following an 'aarti' of the actors essaying the mythological characters, Modi and Rajnath Singh would address the gathering.

Organisers informed that Modi would be gifted with a rare portrait of Hindu poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas and a copy of Ram Charit Manas among others.

They also said that the event would be broadcast live.