Key Highlights

  • Governor’s wish: Shiv Pratap Shukla wished Telangana peace, prosperity, happiness and success.
  • Call for unity: He urged citizens to help build a progressive Telangana with unity and social responsibility.
  • CM’s message: Revanth Reddy said Dussehra holds a special place in Telangana’s culture and traditions.
  • Shed negativity: The CM urged people to give up ego, jealousy, hatred and injustice.
  • Jammi tradition: He highlighted the custom of worshipping the Jammi tree and exchanging its leaves as ‘gold’.

As Telangana celebrates one of its most loved festivals, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy greeted the people of the state on Vijayadashami on Tuesday, October 20. Both leaders spoke of the festival’s message of good over evil, while the Chief Minister also turned the spotlight on a tradition that makes Dasara in Telangana truly distinct.

Governor: Courage, Righteousness and Positivity

Governor Shukla said Vijayadashami stands for the triumph of righteousness over unrighteousness, truth over falsehood, and good over evil. He hoped the festival would inspire courage, a commitment to righteousness, good conduct and a positive outlook among all.

Praying for the blessings of Goddess Durga, he wished that Telangana would flourish in peace and prosperity and that every citizen’s life would be filled with happiness and success. He also called on people to contribute to a progressive Telangana, guided by unity, mutual respect and social responsibility.

CM Revanth Reddy: A Festival Close to Telangana’s Heart

“The auspicious Dussehra holds a special place in the culture and traditions of Telangana,” Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said. He noted that the festival teaches values such as courage, righteousness, truth, unity and self-confidence.

He said Vijayadashami is a reminder to build a society based on love, compassion, brotherhood and humanity by letting go of ego, jealousy, hatred and injustice.

“I sincerely wish that this Vijayadashami brings joy to every home, fills every family with happiness and prosperity, and bestows good health, abundant wealth, and success upon everyone,” the CM said.

He added that the day recalls the power of the Goddess who defeated the demon Mahishasura and the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.

The Jammi Tree: Telangana’s Dasara Signature

The most striking part of the CM’s message was his mention of the Jammi tree tradition. On Dasara, people in Telangana worship the Jammi tree, known elsewhere as the Shami tree, and exchange its leaves, considered as precious as ‘gold’, with elders while seeking their blessings.

The CM said the custom reminds people to cherish nature and respect their elders.

Why It Matters

In many parts of North India, Dussehra is defined by Ravan Dahan. In Telangana, the festival has a gentler, more family-centred feel. Visiting elders, exchanging Jammi leaves and seeking blessings turn the day into a celebration of relationships and respect. Highlighting this tradition in an official message helps keep such customs alive for younger generations.

The Bigger Picture

Dasara in Telangana is part of a larger festive season that also includes Bathukamma, the state’s floral festival celebrated during Navratri. Together, they reflect how the state blends devotion, nature and community in its celebrations.

What Comes Next

As families across Telangana exchange Jammi leaves and greetings today, the festive mood will carry forward into the Diwali season in the coming weeks.

With inputs from IANS.