Heavy rainfall on Thursday hindered Dussehra celebrations across Delhi, leaving effigies of Ravan soaked and prompting the cancellation of significant events that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were slated to attend. The downpour affected various Ramleela committees throughout the capital, leading to a disappointing twist in the festive spirit.
Prime Minister Modi planned to grace the Raavan Dahan ceremony orchestrated by the Indraprastha Ramleela Committee, but the unexpected rain caused event organizers to cancel the function. “The prime minister could not attend due to the rain. The effigies were damaged but were ultimately burned in the presence of Union Minister Harsh Malhotra, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, and MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely,” stated Suresh Bindal, president of the committee.
Home Minister Amit Shah experienced a similar fate, being unable to attend the Keshav Ramleela Committee’s event held at DDA Ground, Netaji Subhash Place, Pitampura. As a result, BJP national general secretary Arun Singh stepped in as the chief guest for the burning of the effigy. The committee’s president, Ashok Goyal Devaraha, remarked that they would extend an invitation to Shah for next year’s event.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported significant rainfall across the city, with Pitampura receiving 17.5 mm, Ridge recording 15.4 mm, and Mayur Vihar measuring 9.5 mm by 5:30 PM. These figures show how challenging conditions became for event organizers, who scrambled to protect their displays against the relentless downpour.
In Ashok Vihar, members of the Adarsh Ramleela Committee reported struggles in keeping their effigies dry. An organizer expressed, “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.” This sentiment mirrored the feelings of many organizers who were faced with unexpected challenges.
At the site of the Aryan Heritage Foundation in Pitampura, organizer Anil Garg shared concerns about the rain’s impact. “Around 10% of the effigy got drenched despite plastic covers. There was waterlogging, but we hope the Dahan goes well,” Garg noted, reflecting the perseverance of those involved in the festivities.
Equally affected was Nitin Gupta, treasurer of the Hanumant Dharmik Ramleela Committee in East Delhi, who lamented, “The rain came as a shock and delayed preparations. We are now using petrol and diesel to ensure the effigy catches fire.” Gupta’s statement highlights the lengths organizers are willing to go to maintain traditions despite unfavorable circumstances.
The disruption of Dussehra festivities raises a significant concern regarding weather patterns affecting cultural events. As climate fluctuations become more common, event planners may need to adapt strategies to combat such unexpected weather conditions in the future, ensuring that the essence of celebrations remains intact.
This year’s Dussehra celebrations faced hurdles unlike previous years, but the spirit of resilience showcased by the numerous organizers and participants remains commendable. Even amidst nature’s challenges, the determination to honor cultural heritage prevails as a testament to the community’s spirit in Delhi.
