Cops had a tough time

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, October 25

Dasehra celebrations remained a low-key affair this year due to Covid-19 outbreak. The celebrations were restricted only to a few areas of the city. Dressed in their festive attires, people attended Ramlila functions across city where artistes enacted the scene of the Ramayana where Lord Ram kills Ravana. In some areas, artistes, who had performed in the Ramlilas for nine days also visited residential areas, where they were welcomed with garlands. This year, the Dasehra committee also refrained from setting the 10-headed effigy of the demon king on fire and instead only small and single headed effigy of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran burnt with crackers.

Giving two hoots to social distancing and other Covid norms, devotees in large numbers were seen in various temples across the city. Shobha yatras were carried out by some Dasehra committees.

Amid high security and deployment of forces at various sensitive locations of the city, Dasehra committees had organised a Vijayadashmi function for devotees. Nearly, 1,500 cops, including senior officials maintained a strict vigil to ensure safety and security of the locals. Challans were also issued to the offenders. DCP (Investigation), Gurmeet Singh said, around nine different committees had observed the Dasehra celebrations in the city and police in large number were deployed at all the places to avoid any untoward incident. Notably, compared to last year (40-50 committees), this year, only 12 committees received permission for holding small events due to Covid spread. Gathering of people was also limited and they preferred to celebrate it in their residential areas. Security measures were stepped up in the city.