New Delhi: This Dussehra, the burning of Ravan at Delhi’s Red Fort grounds will carry a message beyond the traditional triumph of good over evil. The Lav Kush Ramleela Committee plans to use the occasion to highlight three pressing concerns: personal arrogance, growing traffic congestion and rising pollution in the national capital.
The event will feature towering effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad, measuring 110 feet, 100 feet and 90 feet respectively. Alongside the spectacle, organisers aim to encourage citizens to reflect on their behaviour and contribute to making Delhi cleaner and more liveable.
Ravan’s First Message: Defeat the Evil Within
Lav Kush Ramleela Committee president Arjun Kumar said the effigy of Ravan would deliver a message urging people to overcome their own arrogance and negative traits.
The message will remind spectators that although Ravan is burned every year, human ego, anger and other shortcomings often remain untouched. According to the organisers, the real meaning of the tradition lies not merely in burning an effigy but also in making a conscious effort to overcome personal flaws.
Public Transport Can Help Ease Delhi’s Traffic
The second message will focus on the capital’s growing traffic burden. With increasing numbers of vehicles putting pressure on roads, the committee plans to encourage people to use public transport instead of relying on private vehicles whenever possible.
The appeal will highlight how responsible travel choices can help reduce congestion and make commuting smoother. Organisers also want to remind citizens that following traffic rules and behaving responsibly on the road are important parts of civic duty.
Why Will Ravan Raise the Issue of Pollution?
The third message will draw attention to air pollution and the need to protect the environment. Through the performance, the organisers plan to encourage residents to plant more trees and take steps to preserve clean air for future generations.
The message will stress that pollution control is not solely the government’s responsibility. Individual actions and collective public participation are also essential to creating a healthier environment.
Special Effects to Add Grandeur to Ravan Dahan
Arjun Kumar said this year’s Ravan Dahan would also feature elaborate technical effects. According to the committee, the sequence will show nectar emerging from Ravan’s navel after Lord Ram’s arrow strikes him. His moving eyes will appear to emit fire, while 11 illuminated garlands around his neck will change colours.
With its giant effigies, visual effects and public-awareness campaign, the event is intended to combine entertainment with a broader social message.
The organisers hope the celebration will leave audiences with a reminder that the true victory of good over evil requires more than a ceremonial burning: it also calls for overcoming personal shortcomings, easing pressure on Delhi’s roads and protecting the air people breathe.
