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**Headline: President Murmu Invokes ‘Operation Sindoor’ at Dasara, Celebrations Undeterred by Delhi Downpour**

**New Delhi, October 3, 2025** – President Droupadi Murmu celebrated Dasara in New Delhi on Thursday, drawing a symbolic parallel between the festival’s triumph of good over evil and India’s fight against terrorism. At Madhav Das Park, within the Red Fort grounds, President Murmu participated in the traditional burning of Ravana’s effigy, referencing “Operation Sindoor,” a military operation launched following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives earlier this year.

“Operation Sindoor is a mark of victory against the Ravana of terrorism, and we salute our soldiers for this,” she stated, highlighting the armed forces’ efforts in combating terror. She urged citizens to “kill the Ravana within” to foster peace and harmony in society.

Despite heavy rain lashing the capital, a large crowd gathered at the Red Fort to witness the celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to attend a Ramlila event but was unable to attend due to the weather. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta joined celebrations in Pitampura. Earlier, she commemorated Gandhi Jayanti at Raj Ghat and inaugurated a khadi exhibition at Dilli Haat. “Khadi is not merely a fabric but the expression of the nation’s soul,” Ms. Gupta stated, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of self-reliance and national pride.

Other Ramlila committees organized elaborate events across the city. The Luv Kush Ramlila Committee at Red Fort welcomed actor Bobby Deol as their chief guest and incorporated AI technology for the effigy burning.

Security was tight, with nearly 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel deployed across the Capital. The India Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in Delhi in the coming days.

This story was filed as part of *The Hindu’s* ongoing coverage of India and world affairs from an Indian perspective (*The View From India*).

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