Ravandahan (Burning Ravan’s effigy) on Dussehra : Right or Wrong ?

Prabhu Shriram killed Ravan in the Tretayug. Inspired by this historical event, symbolising the destruction of evil, the tradition of burning Ravan’s effigy has continued for hundreds of years in many parts of India every year without any dispute; but recently, some organisations have taken an aggressive stand against it and called for a ban on this tradition. They have been protesting, issuing statements and trying to stop the event at times.

Under the influence of Communist ideology, these ignorant people say, “Ravan was the king of a local tribal (Adivasi) community called ‘Gond’ and Ravandahan is a tradition of Aryans (i.e. Hindus) who are not of Indian origin”. However, there is no word as ‘Adivasi’ in Sanskrut. In India, those who lived in the forests were called ‘Vanvasi’ (Forest dwellers). The word Adivasi was spread by the Christian missionaries after 1930 AD.

Why was a scholar like Ravan killed ? And why is his killing celebrated ? The reason for these must be understood properly. The greatness of the teachings of Hindu Dharma can be seen here. No matter how highly educated, mighty, or royal a person is, if he is unjust towards people, kills Sages, destroys Yajnas, he is indeed unrighteous and deserves punishment. The tradition of burning Ravan’s effigy continues as a symbol of the fact that Prabhu Shriram killed Ravan, who was full of such evil tendencies.

There is enough matter which proves that ‘Lanka’s king Ravan’ was unjust and cruel. There is no truth in the glorification of Ravan as a Gond king and opposition to Ravandahan is wrong and unwarranted.

– Mr Ramesh Shinde (National Spokesperson, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti)

No matter how highly educated, mighty a person is, if he is unjust towards people, he is unrighteous and deserves punishment !