Heavy rainfall on Thursday dampened Dussehra celebrations across New Delhi, disrupting the traditional effigy burning events that were to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The sudden downpour forced the cancellation of major events, disappointing many across the capital.
Prime Minister Modi was set to attend the Raavan Dahan organised by the Indraprastha Ramleela Committee. However, the torrential rain led to the cancellation of the event. Committee president Suresh Bindal remarked, “The prime minister could not attend due to the rain. The effigies were damaged, but we later set them on fire in the presence of Union Minister Harsh Malhotra, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, and MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely.
Home Minister Shah also missed his commitment to the Keshav Ramleela Committee’s event at DDA Ground, Netaji Subhash Place, Pitampura. Instead, BJP national general secretary Arun Singh stepped in as chief guest for the effigy burning ceremony. Ashok Goyal Devaraha, the committee’s president, expressed hope, stating they will invite Shah again next year to perform the Dahan.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported varying rainfall levels across the city, with Pitampura receiving 17.5 mm of rainfall, Ridge at 15.4 mm, and Mayur Vihar recording 9.5 mm till 5:30 pm.
Effort to keep effigies dry became a herculean task for many organisers. The members of the Adarsh Ramleela Committee in Ashok Vihar shared, “We tried to cover it with plastic, but most of it still got drenched. It seems Indra Dev wanted Ravan to drown rather than burn this year.”
At the Aryan Heritage Foundation in Pitampura, organiser Anil Garg lamented, “Around 10% of the effigy got drenched despite plastic covers. There was waterlogging, but we hope the Dahan goes well.”
Meanwhile, treasurer of the Hanumant Dharmik Ramleela Committee in East Delhi, Nitin Gupta, voiced his concerns about the unforeseen rain, stating, “The rain came as a shock and delayed preparations. We are now using petrol and diesel to ensure the effigy catches fire.”
This year’s Dussehra celebrations were particularly poignant, as many families in Delhi looked forward to the annual tradition as a festive highlight. However, as these unforeseen meteorological conditions unfolded, communities displayed resilience, adapting to the challenges.
The weather may have altered plans, but the spirit of Dussehra, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil, still flourished among the citizens. Next year, organisers hope to ensure that the effigies stand tall, untouched by rain, ready to be set ablaze in celebration.