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All set for a green Dussehra in Lucknow today
“The crackers whether inside Ravana effigies or those used by various Ramlila Samitis of the state capital on Dussehra would be eco-friendly,” said Aditya Dwivedi, general secretary of Shri Ramlila Samiti Aishbagh.
Lucknow is set to witness ‘green Dussehra’ celebrations on Tuesday. That’s because the crackers that would explode inside Ravana effigies would be eco-friendly.
“The crackers whether inside Ravana effigies or those used by various Ramlila Samitis of the state capital on Dussehra would be eco-friendly,” said Aditya Dwivedi, general secretary of Shri Ramlila Samiti Aishbagh.
“Lord Ram spent 14 years in exile and spent most of this time in jungles. The underlying message of that gesture was to among other things also lay emphasis on the importance of forests and the need for green cover. So, we all need to respect and care for the environment as Lord Ram did during his time, spreading the message of importance of clean, green environment through locals,” Dwivedi said.
Riddhi Kishore Gaur of Chowk Ramlila said, “ Almost all the Ramlilas of the city that also stage ‘Ravana Dahan’ have agreed to use eco-friendly crackers in fireworks shows and inside the Ravana effigies.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by other Ramlila organisers of the city.
Ravana effigy, muslims and the eternal Sanatan message
“There are some who oppose even good things. That’s why this year’s ‘Ravana Dahan’ theme at Aishbagh Ramlila is “Sanatan Dharam ke virodh ka dahan ho (let the opposition to Sanatan Dharam also burn),” Dwivedi said.
“Those who abuse Sanatan Dharam must remember that no Ramlila of state is complete without Muslims. This is an example of Sarvdharm Sambhav (religious harmony) as preached by our ancestors. Even today, the chariots of faith dedicated to Lord Ram that are used in Shobhayatra of Aishbagh Ramlila are prepared by a Muslim named Atique Ahmed. He monitors everything that depicts true aspects of Hinduism. Ahmed has knowledge about the specialties of chariot used to portray Hindu culture of ancient times,” he added.
When contacted, Atique Ahmed said: “I am fond of Ramlila. I have been doing the work of preparing chariots for Shobhayatra for generations.”
Sayyed Shamshur Rehman Naved does dance direction in Ramila of Aishbagh. “Hindus and Muslims are one. My grandfather used to bring me here to watch Ramlila. Today, I am associated with Ramlila as dance director. Tomorrow my generation would be associated with it because culturally we all are one,” he said.
Why Ravana effigies are shrinking
Ravana effigies are shrinking in size due to inflation and recession.
This year’s Ravana effigy at Aishbagh Ramlila would only be 80 ft tall, 20 ft less than in 2022 and 40 ft lesser than the year before.
The height of Ravana effigy at Jai Jagat Park has been reduced from 71 ft to 40 ft, while Meghnad and Kumbhkarna effigy have been reduced to 35 ft.
Ravana effigy this year in Mausam Ganj would be just 40ft against 71 ft 2 years back.
In Sadar, the Ravana effigy will be only 40 feet high this year as against 61 ft two years back and height of Kumbhakarna and Meghnad effigies will also be reduced to 35 feet.
