Dubey clan worships Ravana to mark Dasehra in Payal

Worshiping the statue of Ravana instead of burning his effigy on Dasehra has made Payal’s celebrations of the festival unique.

Dozens of families belonging to the Dubey clan, settled in various parts of the state, converge at the Shri Ram Mandir, adjoining the statue of Ravana on Ahmedgarh-Bija Road, to worship Ravana, Lord Rama, Lord Shiva and other deities during Navratri and celebrate Dasehra.

Devotees led by Akhil Dubey, a retired police officer from Patiala, said , “As Ravana was a great scholar and a dedicated devotee of Lord Shiva we worship him as a deity,” adding that Ravana had composed the Shiva Tandava Stotram and displayed deep knowledge about various disciplines.

Dubey also revealed that blood oozing out of cut earlobes from a goat is sprinkled on the deity’s statue as a token of sacrifice on the occasion.

Locals informed that Dubeys from across the state have been visiting Payal and seeking the blessings of their brave hero for over 16 decades. They come from Bathinda, Patiala, Ferozepur and Pathankot districts during Navratri.

Ancestors of the Dubey clan believed that something unfortunate would happen if they ignored worshipping willingly.

The organisers of these events are not concerned about the alleged disapproval of many people to their preference. Although, there was no authentic report about the damaging of a temporary Ravana statue long time ago it is heard that some miscreants had torn the same, prompting the Dubeys to erect a permanent statue here.