No Burning Here: The Village That Worships Ravana on Dussehra
While India burns effigies, Bihuni Kalan village in Hamirpur celebrates Dussehra by worshipping Ravana. Discover this unique tradition.
While millions across India gather to watch towering effigies of Ravana go up in flames to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, the residents of Bihuni Kalan are doing something entirely different. In a striking departure from nationwide customs, this village in the Muskara development block of Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh, chooses to honor and worship the demon king on the day of Vijayadashami.
A Centuries-Old Defiance of Tradition
For the people of Bihuni Kalan, Dussehra is not about the destruction of Ravana, but about a centuries-old tradition of reverence. Instead of lighting a match to a straw figure, the villagers come together in a spirit of devotion to perform collective rituals for a permanent statue of the legendary figure.
The location of this worship is particularly symbolic. The statue is situated in the very heart of the village, standing directly opposite the Ramlila ground—the place where the story of Lord Rama is typically enacted and where effigies are traditionally burnt in other localities.
The Grandeur of the Statue
The centerpiece of this unique celebration is a massive statue that commands attention. Standing approximately 10 feet tall, the figure is not a temporary prop but a sturdy structure crafted from lime and cement.
The craftsmanship of the statue captures the mythological power of Ravana through several distinct features:
- The Posture: Ravana is depicted in a dignified seated position.
- The Anatomy: The statue features the traditional nine heads and twenty arms, symbolizing his immense knowledge and strength.
- The Regalia: He is adorned with a detailed crown that features a horse motif.
A Community United in Faith
Every year, the village transforms as residents gather to decorate the statue and perform traditional rites. By choosing to worship Ravana rather than burn him, Bihuni Kalan maintains a cultural identity that stands in stark contrast to the rest of the country, turning a day of symbolic execution into a day of communal prayer and ancestral tradition.