Giant Cockroach to Burn With Ravana: Delhi's Unique Twist to Dussehra
The Shri Keshav Ramlila Committee in Pitampura will burn a giant cockroach effigy to promote cleanliness and fight filth this Vijayadashami.
While the tradition of Dussehra has always centered on the victory of good over evil through the burning of Ravana, the Shri Keshav Ramlila Committee in Delhi is adding a modern, hygienic twist to the festivities. This year, alongside the towering figures of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad, a massive 30-foot cockroach effigy will be set ablaze to send a powerful message about cleanliness.
A Symbol Against Filth
The decision to introduce this unusual addition was spearheaded by Ashok Goel Devaraha, the president of the Shri Keshav Ramlila Committee and Model Town MLA. According to Devaraha, the cockroach is not just an insect but a symbol of the "filth" that plagues homes, neighborhoods, and society at large.
Speaking on the significance of the move, Devaraha explained that Vijayadashami has always symbolized the triumph of truth over falsehood and righteousness over unrighteousness. By burning the cockroach effigy, the committee aims to highlight the urgent need to eliminate dirt and impurity from the environment.
"Our goal is to eliminate filth from three areas: our homes, our immediate surroundings, and society at large," Devaraha stated.
A Tradition of Social Messaging
For the Shri Keshav Ramlila Committee, using the festival to address national issues is not a new practice. Devaraha noted that in previous years, the committee has burned effigies representing various societal afflictions, including terrorism and Naxalism, to spark public conversation and awareness.
The event is scheduled to take place at the committee's grounds in Pitampura (NSP), where the 30-foot cockroach is expected to be a striking visual highlight of the celebrations.
The Artistry Behind the Effigies
The task of bringing these giants to life falls to artisan Shahwez Khan, whose family has a deep-rooted legacy of crafting effigies spanning three generations, including his grandfather and great-grandfather.
Khan shared the technical differences between the traditional figures and the new addition:
- Traditional Effigies: The creation of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad is a labor-intensive process that takes an entire month to complete.
- The Cockroach: In contrast, the specialized cockroach effigy takes approximately 3 to 4 days to finish.
Political Backdrop
Interestingly, this decision comes at a time when the national capital has seen activities from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The party has been active in recent months, staging protests against former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls.