Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday used the festival of Dussehra — the celebration of good triumphing over evil — to deliver a message of national unity, calling on every political party and institution in the country to stand together against what he described as the enemies of India.

Addressing the Vijayadashami celebrations at the DDA Utsav Ground in the capital, where he took part in the traditional ceremony honouring Lord Rama, the Prime Minister said the spirit of the festival should guide the country's public life. "Let our thoughts be aligned… all the institutions of the nation, all political parties… let us stand together for the national interest. We must proceed with this very spirit; we must fight together against the enemies of the country," he said.

Three 'enemies', one message

In his address, Mr. Modi flagged three 'enemies' confronting India and argued that attempts to divide the country — socially or politically — must be defeated collectively rather than fought over in partisan terms. The remarks echoed the symbolism of Dussehra, where effigies of Ravana are burnt to mark the victory of righteousness over arrogance and evil.

The Prime Minister also linked unity at home with strength abroad, suggesting that a country seen to be divided invites pressure from outside, while a united India negotiates from a position of confidence. Self-reliance — in the economy, in technology and in defence production — formed the second strand of the speech, with Mr. Modi presenting it as the practical foundation of national strength.

Why the message matters

Dussehra addresses by Prime Ministers are closely watched because they blend ritual with political signalling. This year's speech comes as the government faces a crowded domestic agenda and a demanding external environment, and the emphasis on consensus — explicitly extended to Opposition parties — was notable for its tone.

Opposition leaders are yet to formally respond to the appeal. Political observers say the test of the message will lie in the weeks ahead, when Parliament and the political parties return to contested questions on which the government and the Opposition remain far apart.

For now, the image of the day was a familiar one: the Prime Minister drawing a ceremonial bow before a cheering crowd, as the effigies of evil went up in flames over the capital.