‘Political guests delay effigy-burning’

Divya Sharma

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 20

As per the mythological belief, Dasehra rituals are to be performed before sunset. Locals feel that the trend of inviting political guests at Dasehra ceremonies has been adversely impacting the tradition as this leads to the burning of effigies after sunset.

People tend to wait for a long period of time until political leaders (chief guests) arrive at their venue to set the effigies afire. The scenario was no different on Friday evening as according to locals, the chief guest arrived late that resulted in a delay in the event’s culmination.

“Such a practice is absolutely wrong. We cannot burn Ravana after sunset as per the Hindu mythology. This is against our culture. People are misusing this festival for their own interests,” said a local priest Rajendra Prasad.

Residents, especially those of Joda Fatak, are infuriated over the “late arrival” of chief guest Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu at the Dasehra event that turned horrific for many.

“We kept waiting for her for hours. Had she come a little early, lives of people might have been saved. This kind of celebration has been happening for the last 20 years,” said an eyewitness, who resides in the same area.

Earlier, there were only a few designated places where such events were held, but with the passage of time, the venues have increased amid a rise in the population. “I remember participating in Dasehra celebrations at the event organised by the Durigana Temple authorities. Lately, there have been many places, including those close to rail tracks,” said Paras, a businessman.