No burning of effigies this Dasehra: Ramlila panels

Chandigarh, October 23

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the UT Administration has given in-principle approval for celebrating Dasehra and organising a ‘rath yatra’ symbolically. However, most Ramlila committees have decided not to burn effigies of demons this year.

District Magistrate Mandip Singh Brar said in-principle approval was given subject to strict observance of all detailed guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Bhagwati Prasad Gour, president, Chandigarh Kendriya Ramlila Mahasabha, said it was too late for them to prepare effigies. He said they had decided to show the killing of Ravana and his brother and son in their Ramlila scenes on the stage only.

As per the guidelines, Dasehra or the ‘rath yatra’ can be symbolically celebrated from 4 pm to 8 pm. The organisers will have to obtain clearance from the MC and the Chief Fire Officer before the start of event. — TNS