A unique legal and social debate has emerged in Haridwar just ahead of the festival of Vijayadashami. While effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnada are traditionally burned across urban and rural areas every year to mark the triumph of good over evil, an advocate from Haridwar has approached the Uttarakhand State Human Rights Commission against this long-standing practice.
According to the petitioner, Ravana was an eminent scholar, a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, and a master of 52 sciences who commanded the nine celestial bodies. The petition contends that burning the effigy of such a learned, ascetic, and powerful figure violates human rights. This unexpected demand right before Dussehra has surprised many across the region.
The Importance of Honoring Scholarship
Discussing the matter, advocate Arun Bhadourya stated that society must respect knowledgeable individuals, and Ravana was undoubtedly a scholar. Although born into a lineage of demons, he was deeply versed in the Vedas and Puranas and stood as one of the greatest devotees of Lord Shiva, even composing the famous Shiva Tandava Stotram.
The advocate further highlighted that the ruler of Lanka respected women, citing the instance when Mata Sita was brought to Lanka and kept near his palace without ever being touched inappropriately. He also pointed out that when Lord Ram performed a ritual sacrifice, Ravana was invited to officiate as the chief priest due to his unmatched intellect. Burning the effigy of such a knowledgeable and mighty personality every year is entirely wrong, the petitioner argued.
State Officials Named as Respondents
Advocate Arun Bhadourya confirmed that he filed the petition before the Uttarakhand State Human Rights Commission to challenge this custom. Several principal secretaries of the state government along with the Director General of Uttarakhand Police have been made respondents in the petition to ensure a complete halt to the tradition of effigy burning.
As part of his demands, he suggested that school curricula should educate students about Ravana's vast knowledge, governance policies, and his respect for women. Bhadourya warned that if the human rights commission fails to take concrete action on this issue, he will approach the High Court to seek a legal prohibition on the practice.
