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Unusual Dussehra in Delhi: Burning Effigies of Ravana, Cockroach, and Highlighting Social Issues
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Aaj Tak
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Unusual Dussehra in Delhi: Burning Effigies of Ravana, Cockroach, and Highlighting Social Issues

In Delhi, as part of the Dussehra celebrations this year, the tradition of burning the effigy of Ravana is combined with drawing attention to contemporary social issues. Some committees plan to use the Ravana effigy to highlight problems such as air pollution and traffic congestion, while others will burn a giant cockroach as a symbol of unsanitary conditions. One Ramlila committee will present the issue of rising medicine prices and counterfeit drugs, labeling it the 'Ravana of today.'

During the burning of Ravana in the Ramlila held at the Red Fort grounds, a special moment will be presented. According to organizers, after Lord Rama's arrow strikes the Ravana effigy, it will cry out 'Hey Ram.' Subsequently, a message about the necessity of eradicating inner vices will be conveyed to the audience through dialogue.

Arjun Kumar, Chairman of the Lok Kush Ramlila committee, stated that this year the message of renouncing egoism and burning the inner Ravana will be delivered through dialogue. Issues such as transport collapse and air pollution in Delhi will also be addressed in this event.

The Ramlila this year features an 110-foot tall Ravana effigy, which has undergone numerous modifications. The sword held by the effigy will rotate, and its eyes will appear fiery. Additionally, 11 garlands of different colors will be draped on the Ravana effigy.

Effigies of Kumbhakarna, standing 100 feet tall, and Meghnad, standing 90 feet tall, will also be prepared. Organizers report that Vice President CP Radhakrishna may participate in the event as the chief guest.

At Dwarka Shri Ramlila, ecological measures and digital capabilities are being emphasized alongside traditional events. The tallest Ravana effigy in Delhi—221 feet—has been created here. Effigies of Kumbhakarna and Meghnad, both 90 feet tall, have also been prepared.

Bharat Bhushan Malviya, a core organizing committee member and media head, reported that this time there was an attempt to make the Ramlila more eco-friendly and digital. The Ramlila broadcast was live on social media. Furthermore, for the first time, a mobile application and a digital ticketing system were launched for the audience.

Malviya called this the first digital Ramlila in India. He added that green fireworks are planned to be used during the events. President Draupadi Murmu will attend the Dussehra ceremony at Dwarka Shri Ramlila.

The Shri Keshav Ramlila committee in Pitampure is preparing to burn a 30-foot cockroach effigy along with Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad. According to organizers, the cockroach will symbolize filth and unsanitary conditions. The goal of this initiative is to raise public awareness about cleanliness and promote the idea of a 'Clean India.'

Committee Chairman Ashok Goel stressed that this initiative is not dictated by any political party or issue. Its purpose is to demonstrate the victory of good over evil and the importance of cleanliness. He also noted that the committee has previously burned symbolic effigies related to issues such as Naxalism and terrorism.

The Indraprastha Ramlila committee in Paschim Vihar will also burn a fourth effigy named 'Ravana of Today' alongside Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad. According to committee chairman Sandeep Bindu, this effigy will symbolize issues such as alleged manipulation of generic drug prices and the sale of counterfeit medicines.

Bindu noted that medicine prices are increasing to such an extent that it is difficult for ordinary people to afford them. Moreover, there is a risk of receiving counterfeit or ineffective drugs. The committee states that through this effigy, they aim to draw public attention to these problems.

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Theatrical production 'Broadway Ramlila' presents the Ramayana using 3D effects and a large cast
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Theatrical production 'Broadway Ramlila' presents the Ramayana using 3D effects and a large cast

During the sacred festival of Navratri, the Ramlila performances continue across the country. In addition to traditional presentations, audiences are captivated by theatrical productions and dance dramas based on the story of Rama. These performances differ from classical Ramlilas due to their greater classical orientation.

One such large-scale production is taking place in the Pitampura area of the capital, presenting Rama in an entirely new, grand format. This 'Broadway Ramlila' is not just a ten-day cycle of narratives, but an extended dramatic production that uses the life and story of Shri Rama as its foundation. It explores the main aspects of the Ramakhyana, analyzing not only the victory of good over evil through Ravana's defeat but also investigating the characters and personal qualities of the main heroes of the Ramayana based on their circumstances and situations.

In this regard, the theme for this 'Broadway Ramlila' in 2026 has been chosen as 'The Study of Characters.' Within this concept, special attention is paid to the personality of the main characters of the Ramayana, their feelings, and the significant changes occurring in their lives.

This production, organized by the Aryan Heritage Foundation in Pitampura, began on October 14th and will conclude on October 19th. It features over one hundred actors. The three-hour performance demonstrates the entire story of Lord Rama using modern technology, music, dance, and visual effects, creating a unique level of spectacle.

Shashidran Nair served as the director, who is an experienced choreographer, dance director, and Kathakali artist in Indian theatre. He is known for specializing in staging mythological stories in the form of dance drama. The production pays special attention to the emotional state of the characters, from Kaikeyi to Dasharatha. The story of Lord Rama's exile is presented not only as a religious episode but also through the experiences of the associated heroes: Kaikeyi's transformation from a loving wife to one demanding Rama's exile, the turmoil of Maharaja Dasharatha as a father, and Lord Rama's acceptance of the exile, leaving the kingdom.

Although people are familiar with the story of the Ramayana, this time an effort was made so that the audience could understand not only the plot itself but also the circumstances behind the characters' decisions and experiences.

Key features of the 'Broadway Ramlila' include its luxurious set design and the application of advanced technologies. Large sets, 3D visual design, special lighting, dance, music, and visual effects are used to bring scenes from Ayodhya, the forest, and Lanka to life. Special attention is paid to the actors' costumes and stage decoration. The goal of the production is to provide the audience with an experience comparable to watching a movie, right in the live theater hall.

Saurbh Raj Jain also participates in the production, whose voices narrate the story of Rama; he is known for his role as Krishna in the Mahabharata series. He plays the role of the grandfather telling the story of Rama to his grandson Lava and Kusha, thereby recreating the tradition of passing down stories from generation to generation.

Twenty original musical compositions were prepared for this performance, created by Chandra Kamal and Bharat Kamal. They feature the voices of renowned singers, including Udit Narayan and Kailash Kher. The main episodes of the Ramayana are conveyed through a combination of music, dance, and acting.

According to the Chairman of the Foundation, Rajendra Mittal, 'Broadway Ramlila' has played an important role in popularizing the idea of presenting the entire story of the Ramayana in one evening. He noted that fitting such an extensive narrative into three hours is a huge task. The main goal is to convey the message of the Ramayana to the widest possible audience. At the same time, adherence to the original text written by Maharishi Valmiki is maintained. After starting in 2015, the 'Broadway Ramlila' format has continuously expanded, and in 2020, its performances became available in cinemas.

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