Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi extend Dussehra wishes, invoke truth and justice
Synopsis
On Dussehra 2025, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra both posted greetings on X, weaving the festival's themes of truth and justice into a broader call for fraternity and inclusivity — a message with clear political undertones as India's largest opposition party frames its identity around constitutional values.
Key Takeaways
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge extended Dussehra greetings on X on 20 October 2025 , emphasising unity in diversity and the triumph of good over evil.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra shared Vijayadashami wishes on X , invoking Lord Rama and praying for happiness, peace, and prosperity.
The Congress party's official X handle also conveyed greetings to citizens on the festival.
Dussehra , or Vijayadashami , falls on the tenth day of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin , commemorating Lord Rama's victory over Ravana.
The Ravana Dahan ritual — burning of Ravana's effigy — is one of the festival's most prominent traditions across India.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday, 20 October 2025, extended greetings to citizens on the occasion of Dussehra, drawing on the festival's central themes of truth, justice, righteousness, and the triumph of good over evil. Both leaders shared their messages on social media platform X as the country observed one of its major Hindu festivals.
Kharge's Message
In his post on X, Kharge underscored India's cultural pluralism, noting that the festival is celebrated through diverse traditions across the country. 'Warm greetings to all fellow citizens on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra. Celebrated through diverse traditions across our country, this festival reflects India's rich cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of unity in diversity,' he wrote.
Kharge added: 'The timeless triumph of good over evil reminds us of the values of truth, justice and righteousness. May this joyous occasion strengthen the bonds of fraternity, mutual respect and harmony, inspiring us to build a more just, inclusive and prosperous future for all.'
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's Greetings
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra framed the festival as a symbol of the victory of justice and truth over injustice and falsehood, invoking Lord Rama in her message. 'Heartfelt greetings on the auspicious festival of Vijayadashami, a symbol of the victory of justice, truth, and righteousness over injustice, falsehood, and unrighteousness. I pray to the epitome of propriety, Lord Ram, that he may bring happiness, peace, and prosperity into all your lives,' she said in her post on X.
The Congress party's official handle on X also conveyed wishes to citizens, stating: 'Heartfelt Dussehra greetings to all fellow citizens from the Congress family.'
Significance of Dussehra
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, falls on the tenth day of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin. The festival commemorates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, and his reunion with Sita after rescuing her from captivity. This year, it is being observed on Tuesday, 20 October.
One of the most widely observed traditions is Ravana Dahan — the ritual burning of effigies of Ravana — symbolising the destruction of evil and the restoration of righteousness. The occasion is marked by religious ceremonies, cultural programmes, and community celebrations across India.
Cultural and Social Resonance
Beyond its religious significance, Dussehra is regarded as a reminder of shared values — truth, moral conduct, and social harmony — that transcend regional and sectarian lines. The festival's celebration through varied regional customs reflects India's broader cultural diversity, a theme both Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra highlighted in their messages.
Point of View
But the Congress's messaging this year carries a deliberate subtext — framing truth, justice, and righteousness not merely as Hindu festival values but as implicit critiques of the current political climate. Invoking Lord Rama, a figure the BJP has claimed as ideological territory, is also a pointed choice by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The Congress appears to be contesting symbolic ground, not just exchanging pleasantries. Whether this messaging resonates beyond the party's existing base remains the real question.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge say on Dussehra 2025?
Kharge extended greetings on X on 20 October 2025, highlighting India's cultural heritage, unity in diversity, and the festival's message of truth, justice, and righteousness. He called for strengthening fraternity and harmony to build a more just and inclusive future.
What was Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's Dussehra message?
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra posted Vijayadashami greetings on X, describing the festival as a symbol of the victory of justice and truth over injustice and falsehood. She invoked Lord Rama and prayed for happiness, peace, and prosperity for all citizens.
What is the significance of Dussehra or Vijayadashami?
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, marks Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and is observed on the tenth day of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated through Ravana Dahan rituals, religious ceremonies, and cultural programmes across India.
When is Dussehra being celebrated in 2025?
Dussehra 2025 is being celebrated on Tuesday, 20 October. The date falls on the tenth day of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin, as per the traditional Hindu calendar.
Why does Congress invoke themes of truth and justice on Dussehra?
Both Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra used the festival's traditional themes of truth, righteousness, and the defeat of evil to call for a more just and inclusive society. The messaging aligns with the Congress party's broader political positioning around constitutional values and social harmony.
