Nadda joins Dussehra celebrations in Bilaspur, HP
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda attended the Dussehra festival in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, invoking the victory of righteousness over evil and calling for a society rooted in love, harmony, and values.
Sharing his experience on X, Nadda wrote — 'अधर्म पर धर्म और बुराई पर अच्छाई की विजय का यह पर्व हमें प्रभु श्रीराम के आदर्शों पर चलने की प्रेरणा देता है' — 'This festival of the victory of dharma over adharma and good over evil inspires us to walk on the ideals of Lord Shri Ram.' He concluded with a prayer that Lord Ram's grace remain with all and that society be filled with love, goodwill, and values.
Bilaspur's Dussehra and Nadda's Himachal visit
Bilaspur is a district in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh, Nadda's home state, where he has deep political roots. His attendance at the local Dussehra celebration is part of a tour of the state. Vijayadashami — observed on the tenth day of the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin — marks the mythological triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, and is observed across India with the burning of effigies symbolising evil.
As BJP national president, Nadda's public participation in the festival carries its own resonance: the party has long woven the symbolism of Lord Rama and the concept of dharma into its cultural and political messaging, making such appearances a natural extension of its outreach calendar.
A tradition of leaders at the festival ground
Senior political figures attending Dussehra celebrations — from local grounds to the iconic Red Fort lawns in Delhi — is a well-established practice in Indian public life. The festivals serve as a meeting point between governance and cultural identity, drawing large community gatherings that leaders across parties use to connect with voters and constituents.
With the Hindu festive season in full swing, similar participations by national-level leaders are expected at Dussehra events in other states through the remainder of this week.