Sambalpur, Oct 12: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan attended the Dussehra celebrations at Sambalpur in Odisha on Saturday.

Pradhan, the Lok Sabha MP from Sambalpur, witnessed the burning of effigies of demon king Ravana, during the “Ravan Dahan” programme at Ainthapali here this evening.

The Union Minister was also seen symbolically performing Ravan Dahan (burning of effigies of demon King Ravan) by shooting an arrow from a bow.

Prior to the Ravan Dahan, Pradhan applied 'tilak' on the forehead of the artists enacting the roles of Lord Ram, Lakshman and Hanuman.

“Ravan Dahan signifies the victory of good over evil,” Pradhan said.

Earlier in the day, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited several Puja Mandaps in Jharsuguda and offered prayers to Maa Durga.

Pradhan along with Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy and some senior BJP leaders visited the Durga Puja pandals at Sukrabazar, Jhandachhak,  etc. at the district headquarters town.

The famous Durga Puja is celebrated in Odisha and different parts of the country as a victory of good over evil and Maa Durga is considered as a symbol of shakti.

Thousands of people attended the “Ravan Dahan” prgramme here today.

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