Centuries-Old Tradition: Jalandhar to Burn Drugs Effigy Before Ravana at Dussehra Festival

 

The historic Dussehra celebrations in Jalandhar, Punjab, span nearly 150 years, and this year, an effigy symbolizing the fight against drugs will be burned before the traditional effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnath.

146 Years of Dussehra at Burlton Park Jalandhar’s Burlton Park Dussehra festival, organized by the Shri Ramleela Committee, is marking its 146th year. Alongside the effigies of Ravana, corruption and drug abuse will also be symbolically destroyed, reflecting a call to rid Punjab of these societal evils.

British-Era Tradition During British rule, Lord Burton was a regular attendee at this Dussehra celebration. The Hanumant flag procession at Hanuman Chowk in Kalan Bazaar remains a signature event of this historic committee.

Devi Talab Dussehra Completes 100 Years The Devi Talab Dussehra Committee, which celebrates at Brahm Kund Temple on Kishanpura Road, is nearing a century of Dussehra festivities. Another notable celebration is at Government Training College, Ladowali Road, known for its grandeur.

Focus on Anti-Drug Message At the Shri Mahakali Mandir Dussehra at Sai Das School Ground, Patel Chowk, this year’s event will feature a unique twist. Before the 100-foot effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnath are burned, an effigy representing drug addiction will be set ablaze, symbolizing a call to free Punjab from the scourge of drugs. Tarsem Kapoor, the lifetime president of the committee, emphasized that this initiative is meant to deliver a positive social message while preserving cultural traditions.

Prominent Guests to Attend The 146th Dussehra at Burlton Park will see participation from prominent figures like MLA Raman Arora, MP Charanjit Singh Channi, and former MLA Manoranjan Kalia. The event will kick off with a grand procession from the ancient Nohrian Temple, featuring divine representations and a reenactment of the battle between Lord Ram and Ravana, culminating in the burning of 80-foot-tall effigies.

Fireworks and Attractions Jalandhar Cantonment will host a special Dussehra celebration where a 70-foot effigy of Ravana, 65-foot Kumbhkaran, and 60-foot Meghnath will be burned, followed by an impressive fireworks display. In Adarsh Nagar Market, the 44th annual Dussehra celebration will feature a jungle-themed selfie point, and children dressed as mythological figures will receive gifts from the committee.

Citywide Celebrations Dussehra festivities will be held at 13 locations across the city, including Sai Das School Ground, Burlton Park, Government Training College, and Model House Dussehra Ground. These events will feature the traditional burning of Ravana, along with the effigies of drug addiction and corruption.

Safety Measures Authorities have advised attendees to avoid carrying jewelry or large sums of money and to hold children’s hands tightly. Parents are encouraged to place their contact details in their children’s pockets. Asthma patients are advised to wear masks due to the pollution from fireworks.

Grand Processions Grand processions, featuring representations of Lord Ram’s family and Hanuman’s army, will wind through various parts of the city, including Mitha Bazaar, Jaggu Chowk, and Bhairon Bazaar. These processions will be accompanied by bands and traditional dhol-tasha performances, with institutions along the route offering flower showers and free meals to participants.

The Dussehra celebrations in Jalandhar this year promise a blend of tradition and a strong social message, as the city continues its fight against drugs and corruption.