Dussehra 2024: Indian community celebrates culture, bonds with Nigeria

For Indian community in Lagos, the memory of October 13, 2024, will remain evergreen. On that day, they celebrated the victory of good over evil. The Ravan Dahan at the event underscored this message, as the effigy of Ravana was engulfed in flames, symbolising the destruction of evil and the resurgence of righteousness.

Called Dussehra or Vijayadashami, the festival celebrates Rama’s victory and his unwavering adherence to dharma (righteousness) throughout his life. This event, a perfect blend of cultural performances and spiritual devotion, drew a large crowd from the Indian Diaspora and the local community, uniting them in celebration.

This year’s celebration of Dussehra 2024 was not just a religious event, but a celebration of culture, unity, and shared values, strengthening the bonds between India and Nigeria through the timeless lessons of good conquering evil. The festival continues to inspire individuals, both in India and across the world, to live lives of integrity, honour, and compassion, just as Lord Rama exemplified.

In Indian mythology, Lord Rama, revered as MaryadaPurushottam, meaning the ‘Perfect Man’ or the ‘Upholder of Virtue’ He is considered the epitome of righteousness, who lived by moral and ethical principles, making him a timeless symbol of justice, truth, and dharma.

Hosted by the World NRI Social & Cultural Association (WNSCA) and SunderKand Path Pariwar, Dussehra 2024 was celebrated with grandeur at Geeta Ashram, Lagos.

The festivities began with a drawing competition, where children showcased their creativity. The ceremonial Deepak Prajvalan (lamp-lighting) was performed by dignitaries, including the Consul General of India in Lagos – Shri Chandramauli Karn; WNSCA President Mr. Shantibhooshan Singh and Mr. Anurag Sharma of Sundarkand Path Pariwar.

Following the formal inauguration, the Consular General delivered a special address on the significance of Dussehra, setting the tone for an exciting day.

Mr. Venket Subramanian and Mr. Shantibhooshan Singh shared the vision and goals of the World NRI Social & Cultural Association, emphasising its role in uniting the Diaspora, while Mr. Anurag Sharma introduced the audience to the spiritual essence of Sunder Kand Path.

The cultural segment of the event dazzled the audience with a series of enthralling performances. Ganesh Vandana by Miss SushritaPatil set the spiritual tone, followed by mesmerising acts such as Shubharambh Ram Sia Ram by Mrs. DipikaGhai, a traditional Nigerian dance performed by the students of Sineou Girls Secondary School, Surulere, and a grand Ram Bhakti performance by Subhashri.

Mrs. Diya’sRavanDahan performance captured the essence of the day—symbolising the triumph of good over evil. A classical dance by Telugu Samaj, a powerful rendition of AigiriNandini by Mrs. Heer, and other group performances like Hanuman Chalisa by Maharashtra Mandal added vibrancy to the celebrations.

The RamleelaorRamlila, inscribed in 2008, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, was presented by Mrs. Vinita Parmar, Mrs. Resham Nandwani, and Mrs. Charu, transported the audience into the heart of the Ramayana story.
Ramleelais a performance of Ramayana epic in a series of scenes that include song, narration, recital and dialogue. Ramleela brings everybody together, without distinction of caste, religion or age.

The day’s celebration culminated in the traditional RavanDahan—the burning of Ravana’s effigy—an iconic part of Dussehra celebrations. This act symbolises the ultimate victory of good over evil, reminding everyone of Lord Rama’s triumph over the demon king Ravana.