KOTA, October 12: The celebrations for the 133rd National Dussehra Fair began on Sunday with a traditional Durga Puja at Ashapura Mata Temple in Kishorepura. Kota South MLA Sandeep Sharma, Mayor Anusuya Goswami, BJP City President Rakesh Jain, Deputy Mayor Vivek Rajvanshi, Municipal Corporation Commissioner and Fair Officer Om Prakash Mehra, along with councillors, officials and employees, participated in the religious ceremony.
On the occasion, Goddess Durga was specially adorned, and a chunari was offered to the deity on behalf of the Municipal Corporation. Amid the chanting of Vedic mantras, the devotees prayed for the successful, grand and smooth conduct of the fair, as well as peace, prosperity and happiness for the city.
MLA Sandeep Sharma said the National Dussehra Fair is a symbol of Kota's cultural identity and pride. The fair reflects the city's religious traditions, folk culture and social harmony. He added that the series of fair activities was beginning with the worship of Goddess Durga on the first day of Navratri, and collective efforts would be made to make the event grand and successful.
Mayor Anusuya Goswami said the days of Navratri hold great religious significance. The inauguration of the fair activities with Durga Puja on the first day of Navratri marks the beginning of a festive atmosphere across the city. She said the Dussehra Fair is a long-standing tradition of Kota and the Municipal Corporation team is working to ensure better arrangements for visitors.
She added that the Corporation aims to provide a clean, safe and convenient environment for everyone attending the fair. Arrangements are being continuously monitored to ensure that all necessary work is completed on time. She also appealed to city residents to extend their cooperation in making the fair a success.
Municipal Corporation Commissioner and Fair Officer Om Prakash Mehra said organising the National Dussehra Fair successfully is an important responsibility of the Corporation. Extensive preparations have been made to make this year's fair attractive, well-organised and memorable. Officials and employees are working round the clock to complete the preparations. He expressed hope that visitors would enjoy the fair with their families and appealed to all departments and residents to cooperate in the event.
Deputy Mayor Vivek Rajvanshi said the National Dussehra Fair is an integral part of Kota's historical identity. All concerned are working together to preserve the grandeur of this tradition and ensure the successful organisation of the event.
Those Present
Councillors Suresh Singh Jadon, Devendra Sharma, Nand Kanwar Hada, Pintu Kanwar, Sunita Nayak, Hemraj Hada, Shoma Ahluwalia, Seema Chaudhary, Sunil Gautam, Nagendra Singh, Bhupendra Prajapati, Kuldeep Mehra, Neetu Kanwar, Ravi Sharma, Sunita Sen, Mohan Lal Suman, Naveen Mathur (Situ), Rahul Mathur, Additional Commissioner Bhawna Singh, Deputy Commissioner Dheeraj Kumar Soni, Chief Engineer Mahesh Chand Goyal, Additional Chief Engineer J.P. Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Mahavir Singh Sisodia, Satyanarayan Rathore, former councillors Vijaylaxmi Prajapati Mewara and Nand Kishore Mewara, and Ashapala Temple Committee President Pawan Singh Hada were among those present, along with other public representatives, officials and employees.Ramayana Recitation Begins at Temple on Municipal Corporation Premises
Following the Durga Puja at Ashapura Mata Temple, a Ramayana recitation programme commenced at the temple located within the Municipal Corporation office premises.
Mayor Anusuya Goswami, BJP City President Rakesh Jain, Commissioner Om Prakash Mehra and a large number of public representatives, officials and employees paid their respects before Lord Hanuman and participated in the Ramayana recitation with devotion.
