Dussehra 2024: Unique Tradition in Meerut – Ravana Effigy Given Alcohol Before Burning
Today, the festival of Dussehra is being celebrated across India, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Traditionally, effigies of Ravana, the demon king, are burned in various locations. However, in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, there is a unique tradition where the effigy of Ravana is given alcohol before it is burned. The place where the effigy is set up is also sprinkled with alcohol before the burning takes place.
This might sound surprising, but it has been a custom in Meerut for 64 years. The Shri Ram Leela Committee at the Bhainsali Ground has been organizing the Ram Leela performances for decades, and as part of this tradition, alcohol is offered to Ravana's effigy before it is erected. According to the committee members, this is a ritual or superstition that ensures the effigy stands properly.
The Ritual of Offering Alcohol to Ravana
For over six decades, this custom has been followed in Meerut. Elders and long-time residents believe that if alcohol is not offered to Ravana's effigy, it will not stand upright. Ganesh Agrawal, the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Leela Committee, explained that in the past, there were instances when the effigy could not be erected, despite many efforts. The effigy even broke in the middle.
After these incidents, the elders of the community suggested offering alcohol to Ravana's effigy as part of an age-old ritual. Once the effigy was given alcohol, it stood without any issues. Since then, this custom has continued, and alcohol is also offered to the effigies of Kumbhkaran and Meghnad before they are set up.
A 64-Year-Old Tradition in Bhainsali Ground
The Ram Leela performances at Bhainsali Ground in Meerut have been going on for 64 years. Every year, massive effigies of Ravana (130 feet), Kumbhkaran (120 feet), and Meghnad (110 feet) are erected and burned. The Ram Leela Committee firmly believes that if alcohol is not offered, the effigies will not stand properly.
This unique ritual has become a significant part of Meerut's Dussehra celebrations, attracting attention for its unusual approach to this age-old festival.
