Music composer Shankar Mahadevan attends RSS' annual 'Vijayadashmi Utsav' in Nagpur as Chief Guest

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In Maharashtra, the annual 'Vijayadashmi Utsav' event of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) commenced with a workers' 'Path Sanchalan' (route march) in Nagpur. The ceremonial Dussehra celebration was graced by renowned singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, who attended as the Chief Guest of the function, according to ANI.

During the event, Shankar Mahadevan extended his greetings to everyone on the occasion of Vijayadashmi and expressed his honor and privilege at being invited as the Chief Guest by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and the entire Swayamsevak Sangh family. He mentioned his excitement about attending the program and thanked the RSS leadership for the invitation.

"I want to extend my greetings to everyone on the occasion of Vijayadashami. I am very honoured & privileged that I have been welcomed as a chief guest at this function. I want to thank the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and the entire Swayamsevak Sangh family. I am very excited to attend this program," Mahadevan said while speaking to ANI at the event.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat paid tribute to the organization's founder, KB Hedgewar, on this occasion. Shankar Mahadevan also offered floral tributes at the statue of KB Hedgewar. Bhagwat performed 'Shastra Pooja' as part of the 'Vijayadashami Utsav' festivities.

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The event also saw the presence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Additionally, RSS members organized a 'Path Sanchalan' or route march as part of the Vijayadashami Utsav.

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated at the conclusion of Navaratri. It falls on the tenth day of the month of Ashvin, typically occurring in the Gregorian calendar months of September or October. The festival also marks the beginning of preparations for Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which is celebrated twenty days later.

The RSS, founded by Keshav Hedgewar, was established on Vijaya Dashami in 1925. The organization holds the 'Vijayadashmi Utsav' as an important annual event, and this year, Shankar Mahadevan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. (With inputs from ANI)