Pune: As part of the public Navratri celebrations organized by the Shri Bansilal Ramnath Agarwal Religious and Cultural Trust, Pune's Shri Mahalaxmi Temple will drape the deity in a stunning golden saree on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra.

Devotees from across the city will have the opportunity to offer their prayers and witness the divine sight of the Goddess wearing the golden attire from Saturday (October 12) morning.

A key highlight of the day's events will be the symbolic Ravana effigy burning ceremony, set to take place at 9:30 PM. This event aims to raise awareness about pressing social issues such as violence against women and female feticide.

"This year, we are focusing on spreading awareness about atrocities faced by women. The burning of Ravana’s effigy will symbolize the destruction of these social evils," said Dr. Tripti Agarwal, Trustee and Festival Leader.

Several prominent members of the organizing team, including Chief Founding Trustee Rajkumar Agarwal, Amita Agarwal, Advocate Pratap Pardeshi, Bharat Agarwal, Praveen Chorbele, Hemant Arnalkar, Narayan Kabra, and Nilesh Ladda, have contributed to the event's planning.

The day’s activities will also include a prize distribution ceremony for a drawing competition on the theme of women’s empowerment. This competition was open to students from grades 5 to 10, and the awards will be distributed at 5:30 PM at the temple.

Following this, a traditional "Haldi Kumkum" and offering ceremony will take place at 6 PM. The Trust has called upon the people of Pune to attend the various Dussehra celebrations and participate in the festivities.