Dussehra celebrations in Delhi have taken an unusual turn this year, with organisers adding a 30-foot cockroach effigy to the traditional Ravana Dahan ceremony in Subhash Place.
The giant insect effigy is set to be burnt alongside those of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad, introducing a political dimension to the Hindu festival that traditionally symbolises the victory of good over evil.
The unusual addition comes amid recent protests by the Cockroach Janata Party, with the effigy drawing attention to the intersection of political commentary and religious festivities.
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated across India to mark Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, according to the Hindu epic Ramayana. The burning of Ravana's effigy is a central feature of celebrations in many parts of the country and represents the triumph of righteousness over evil.
This year's addition of the oversized cockroach offers a departure from the conventional spectacle, adding a contemporary talking point to the festivities.
The event reflects how traditional celebrations can also become a platform for public expression, with organisers incorporating unconventional symbols into a festival that attracts large crowds each year.
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