Rethinking Dussehra: A Call to End Burning Ravan’s Effigy

The Lankesh Bhakt Mandal in Mathura has renewed its plea to halt the age-old custom of burning Ravan's effigy during Dussehra, terming it a disrespectful act towards the demon king, revered by some as a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva and an eminent scholar.

In protest, the group performed an 'aarti' of Ravan's idol on the Yamuna's banks, chanting mantras all day to invoke wisdom for society, as a symbolic gesture against the effigy-burning tradition, which they equate to blasphemy.

Led by Omvir Saraswat, the group, consisting mostly of Saraswat Brahmins, argues that effigy-burning contradicts Hindu beliefs, akin to heinous sins, while causing pollution and accidents. They advocate for reenactments of the epic battle between Lord Ram and Ravan to educate future generations.