Mysuru: More than 10,000 devotees participated in the 8th Annual Dasara festival organised by ISKCON, Jayanagar as part of Vijayadashami celebrations commemorating the pastime of the victory of Lord Rama over the evil King Ravana on Saturday.  

While speaking on the subject “Krishna Bhakti: Beyond good and evil,” Madhu Pandit Das, President of ISKCON Bangalore and Chairman of Akshaya Patra Foundation said “There is always a war within our own heart, between good and evil. The destruction of Ravana by Lord Rama represents the destruction of evil within oneself and in the society at large. By adopting the process of chanting of the Holy name of the Lord one can destroy the evil within in the form of lust, anger, greed, and pride.”

Artistes from Mudrika Foundation for Indian Performing Arts, Bengaluru, performed “Raghuvamsha Charita” – a dance drama depicting the significant pastimes of Lord Ramachandra as described by Maharaja Swati Thirunal in his beautiful kriti, ‘Bhavayami Raghu Ramam.’ Followed by this was the captivating vista of Their Lordships Sri Krishna and Balarama adorned as Sri Rama and Lakshmana going on a joyous ride on the “Gaja Vahana” while the devotees enjoyed pulling the chariot singing Hare Krishna Mantra.

The burning of 60 ft. high effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarana and Meghanad marking the victory of Lord Rama over Rakshasa Ravana and also to indicate the victory of truth over evil was a spectacular excitement for the devotees.