Kota: Om Birla inaugurates National Dussehra Fair 2025, highlights growth of indigenous products and cultural heritage

KOTA: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday late evening kicked off the 132nd National Dussehra Fair, organised by Kota Municipal Corporation (South/North) in Dusshera Ground in Kota with official announcement of commencement of the fair after a flag hoisting and fireworks display, while balloons were released into the sky to showcase the fair's grandeur.The national fair is set to last for less than a month, showcasing culture, handicrafts, and several other homemade products from various parts of the country in fair-markets with nights starred by celebrities, national and local Kavi Sammellans, and Mushayras to be concluded on Oct. 17. The inaugural event was attended by MLA Sandeep Sharma, Kalpana Devi, city BJP district president Rakesh Jain, Mayor Rajeev Agarwal, fair committee president Vivek Rajvanshi, fair officer Ashok Kumar Tyagi, Commissioner Omprakash Mehra, additional fair officer Mahesh Goyal, fair in-charge Satyanarayan Rathore, and Deputy Commissioner Mahavir Singh Sisodia.Speaking on the occasion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla extended greetings on Navratri as an occasion of gaining strength through devotion in nine days. The over one-hundred-year-old Dussehra Fair is the fair of cultural heritage, unity, harmony, economic growth, and social prosperity of the people. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bachat (Saving) Utsav is being celebrated across India from today (Navratri, Monday) with a reduction in GST rate, he added.

The reduction in GST will provide relief to people, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said adding our fairs are the foundation of indigenous products. The strength of our native goods is increasing worldwide, leading us towards self-reliance. Additionally, people can save economically by reducing inflation and purchasing more indigenous items at the fair, he added.He mentioned that the fair presents a blend of culture, traditions, heritage, and modernity.

This year, special markets will be featured, showcasing the culture, handicrafts, and other items from various parts of the country. Art from different states will be displayed under one roof, celebrating all cultures and communities.He also noted that the character of Lord Ram will be depicted through Ramleela during the fair. Lord Ram's exemplary life serves as an inspiration, with his dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance continually motivating us.

His fight for the dignity of the oppressed is remarkable worldwide. Lord Ram defeated the arrogant demon-like figure Ravana, symbolising that arrogance cannot rule hearts for long. Even as a forest dweller, Lord Ram triumphed over a ruler like Ravana.Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, Birla said with the reduction in GST rates from today, Navratri – the occasion is also being celebrated as Bachat Utsav (Saving Utsav) across India from today. The reduction in GST rates will save public money and bring down the high price of products, he added.