Delhi Ramlila to burn 30-foot 'cockroach' effigy alongside Ravan
A Delhi Ramlila committee plans to burn a 30-foot cockroach effigy alongside traditional figures to promote cleanliness campaigns. The event occurs amid ongoing political protests in the capital involving a group calling itself the Cockroach Janta Party.
Why it matters
The story illustrates the intersection of cultural traditions, public health messaging, and local political activism in India.
NEW DELHI: A 30-foot-tall "cockroach" effigy will be set ablaze alongside those of Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad at a Ramleela in the national capital this year.The Shree Keshav Ram Leela Committee, which organises the Ramleela in Pitampura, said the insect symbolises "filth and dirt" and that the initiative is part of the "Swachh Bharat" and "Swachh Delhi" campaigns.Committee president and BJP MLA Ashok Goel told PTI that the decision was not politically motivated.He said burning the cockroach effigy was intended to reinforce the message of the victory of good over evil and cleanliness.Goel said the "cockroach" would also be included among the 'asuras' in Ravan's army.The decision comes amid protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in the national capital, first against former education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and now seeking the resignation of chief election…
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