Jeypore: Members of Jeypore Swabhiman Manch, a local outfit, Wednesday opposed the ‘Ravan Podi’ ritual being celebrated here as part of the Dussehra festival.
The Manch also submitted a memorandum to District Collector and Sub-Collector in this regard. It also threatened to move court to abandon the practice, said Manch president Gangadhar Nanda and legal advisor Sandip Panigrahi at a presser.
The members claimed that mythological character Ravan was a Hindu Brahmin and a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He had stolen Sita to avenge the harm done to his sister Surpanakha in the hands of Laxman. So, the administration shouldn’t encourage rituals meant to malign Ravan for a stray incident, the members suggested.
Arguing further, the members said Ravan is worshipped in five states whereas he is projected as a demon. Burning the effigy of Ravan is an insult to Hindu community and is violative of Section 48 of Indian Constitution, the outfit said, adding, the government officials should not attend the occasion as guests.
PNN
