Kota Jethi community tramples mud Ravana in 150-year-old Dussehra tradition In Kota, Rajasthan, the Jethi wrestling community marks Vijayadashami by crushing a mud-made Ravana under their feet instead of burning effigies, followed by a traditional wrestling bout. Across the country, Vijayadashami is traditionally celebrated by burning towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad to signify the victory of good over evil, but the city of Kota in Rajasthan follows a unique tradition that sets it entirely apart. Here, members of the Jethi community do not burn an effigy of Ravana with fire, but instead end his existence by crushing a mud-crafted Ravana under their bare feet. This distinctive ritual took place on Tuesday inside the akhada of the historical Limbja Mata Temple located in the Nanta area, with participants ranging from young children to elderly wrestlers taking part with immense enthusiasm. Following the symbolic crushing of Ravana, a traditional wrestling tournament was organized inside the akhada. A centuries-old legacy brought by Jethi wrestlers from Kutch According to Sohan Jethi, a temple servant of the Limbja Mata Temple, the tradition of trampling a mud Ravana has been passed down since the princely era and continues to be observed with unwavering devotion. The Jethi community originally hails from the Kutch region of Gujarat and is a recognized wrestling community. According to historical lore and traditions, when a princess from Kutch was married into the royal household of Kota, Jethi wrestlers accompanied her to provide security and service. Impressed by their wrestling prowess, physical strength, and combat skills, the ruling Kota ruler of the time settled them permanently in the region. Akhadas and temples dedicated to Limbja Mata, the community's reigning deity, were established for them. Ever since, members of the Jethi community residing in the Kishorpura and Nanta areas have preserved and carried forward this specific tradition from one generation to the next. The community observes this practice every year on Vijayadashami to honor their historical identity and maintain a deep connection with their ancestral culture and martial heritage. The meticulous preparation of the mud Ravana begins on Shradh Paksha Amavasya The process of creating the mud Ravana for this ritual involves specialized and careful preparation. The crafting of the effigy begins right on the Amavasya of the Shradh Paksha period. Sacred soil collected from the temple akhada is used as the primary material. Milk, curd, sugar, and pure honey are kneaded into the soil with the belief that when wrestlers engage in bouts after crushing the effigy, the risk of sustaining injuries during grappling falls significantly. To give the mud effigy a massive and formidable appearance, wheat seeds are sown directly into the soil structure. Over the nine days of Navratris, these seeds sprout and flourish into lush greenery, imparting a distinct and towering form to the mud creation. Right before the commencement of Navratri, the crafting process begins within the temple premises, and general devotees are restricted from entering the inner sanctuary during this time, offering their prayers to Limbja Mata from a window outside. Special worship of the family deity followed by the Ravana trampling ritual On the auspicious day of Vijayadashami, special worship rituals are first offered to the presiding deity, Limbja Mata. Once these prayers conclude, members of the community gather at the akhada to witness the mud Ravana and proceed to crush it beneath their feet according to established customs. This act of trampling replaces the conventional burning of effigies seen elsewhere. Following the ritual, wrestling matches are held among the assembled wrestlers to showcase their athletic training. Community members also bring special food offerings prepared at their homes for the goddess. The event held at the Nanta temple akhada is far more than just a ceremonial crushing of Ravana; it serves as a vivid display of the Jethi community's historical roots and wrestling heritage. While most parts of the country celebrate Vijayadashami with blazing fires, Kota's mud Ravana trampling and subsequent wrestling matches keep a centuries-old tradition alive, continually connecting the younger generation to their historical lineage and akhada culture. What this means for you Since this tradition is specific to the city of Kota in Rajasthan and the local Jethi community, it does not carry wide-ranging economic or administrative impacts nationally. • In Kota: Local residents of the Nanta and Kishorpura areas and members of the Jethi community participate in this historical event. General devotees experience temporary entry restrictions inside the temple premises during the preparation days, viewing the deity from a window instead. • For wrestling enthusiasts: Local wrestlers get an opportunity to showcase their grappling skills in the traditional tournament held immediately after the ritual. The practice offers younger generations a direct link to their community's martial heritage and akhada culture. Why this happened This unique tradition dates back to the princely era when Jethi wrestlers arrived in Kota following marital ties with the royal family of Kutch. The rulers of the time were impressed by their wrestling skills and settled them in the region. • Historical background: Jethi wrestlers came to Kota for the protection of a Kutch princess after her royal marriage, prompting the ruler to grant them land and establish temples for them. • Cultural heritage: Members of the community observe this ritual every year on Vijayadashami to keep their ancestral traditions and akhada culture alive. • Special preparation method: Milk, curd, sugar, and honey are mixed into the mud effigy to minimize injury risks during subsequent wrestling bouts, while wheat seeds give the structure a towering appearance. Questions & Answers 1. Where is this Ravana tradition observed in Kota? This tradition is observed inside the akhada of the historical Limbja Mata Temple located in the Nanta area of Kota. 2. What do members of the Jethi community do to Ravana? Instead of burning an effigy with fire, members of the Jethi community crush a mud-crafted Ravana under their feet. 3. Which state does the Jethi community originally hail from? The Jethi community originally hails from the Kutch region of Gujarat as a wrestling community. 4. When does the preparation for making the mud Ravana begin? The crafting of the mud Ravana begins right on the Amavasya of the Shradh Paksha period. 5. What ingredients are mixed into the mud of the effigy? Milk, curd, sugar, and honey are kneaded into the soil along with wheat seeds sown to sprout greenery. 6. What event takes place after the Ravana trampling ritual? Following the trampling of the mud Ravana, a traditional wrestling tournament is organized inside the akhada. https://trendkia.com/en/rajasthan/kota-men-anokhi-parnpara-mud-se-bane-ravana-ke-putale-ko-pairon-se-kuchalate-hain-jethi-samaja-ke-pahalavana-49836 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.