Delhi celebrates Dussehra with effigies ranging from 221 feet to modest proportions

Delhi is gearing up for large-scale Ravana effigy burnings across multiple locations on Dussehra, with effigies displaying a striking range in scale and creative design. The tallest structures reach 221 feet, while others stand at 75 feet and below, reflecting the diversity of celebrations across the capital.

Beyond their imposing physical dimensions, the effigies have been crafted to represent contemporary social issues affecting Indian society. Organizers have incorporated symbols of counterfeit pharmaceuticals, exploitative pricing practices that violate maximum retail price guidelines, and inadequate sanitation systems into the effigies, transforming the traditional ritual into a commentary on modern-day societal challenges.

The practice of burning Ravana effigies during Dussehra, marking the mythological victory of Lord Rama over the demon king, has evolved to serve as a platform for social messaging. By embedding representations of current social ills into the symbolic figures, communities use the festival occasion to highlight issues requiring public attention and remedial action.

The celebrations demonstrate how India's traditional festivals continue to adapt, blending age-old customs with contemporary social consciousness. The varied scales of the effigies across Delhi's different neighborhoods reflect both the enduring popularity of Dussehra festivities and the creative engagement of local communities in addressing shared societal concerns.