Festival and purpose of its celebrations remain same, but the day of celebrations of Dussehra festival for people of Uttarakhand was different this year.
While on one hand, Dussehra was celebrated in the plains of Uttarakhand on Sunday, October 13, on the other hand it was reported that the festival of victory of truth over evil, in the mountainous region of the State was celebrated on Monday, October 14.
As per Government’s order, public holiday was also declared on Sunday, but keeping in view the celebrations of Dussehra in mountainous areas of the Kumaon division, the Bageshwar district administration had to declare public holiday on Monday. According to officials concerned of the district administration, Bageshwar in view of the festival of Dussehra, a public holiday was declared and all public offices remained closed at local level on Monday. However, the officials concerned added, this public holiday order was not applicable to treasury and banks and these aforesaid public offices including treasury and banks remained open in Bageshwar on Monday.
Interestingly, some parts of Nainital district like Haldwani marked Dussehra celebrations here on Monday, but the district administration Nainital declared holiday on Sunday. In the meanwhile, the Haldwani police made tight security arrangements in and around the city to ensure successful completion of the festival celebrations.
The main function of the Dussehra festival was held here at the Ramlila Ground located amidst the city. The local Haldwani police had already declared the area around the main Ramlila Ground as zero traffic zone, appealing the local people and visitors to reach the spot on foot. It is to note that the old practice of burning of effigies of the afore said demons is still not in practice. People rather worship Goddess Durga or their deities on this occasion. However, the Dussehra celebrations went off peacefully in the region.