Brahmin community protests against Ravan Dahan in MP:Break black pots at Dussehra grounds and pray for organizers’ wisdom; plans to approach court against tradition

The controversy over Ravan Dahan this year has intensified following the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s ban on burning the effigy of Shurpanakha in Indore.
The All India Youth Brahmin Society (AIYBS) has announced its plan to approach the High Court against the practice of Ravan Dahan, stating that repeated burning of Ravan’s effigy is an insult to the Brahmin community. The organization also intends to stage symbolic protests at the Dussehra grounds by breaking black pots in the names of event organizers and offering prayers for their well-being. High Court ban on Shurpanakha effigy The matter gained momentum after the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, on September 26, imposed a ban on burning effigies representing 11 women as symbols of Shurpanakha. Among them was Sonam Raghuvanshi, accused in the murder case of Raja Raghuvanshi. The court clearly stated that even if a person is facing criminal charges, publicly burning their effigy to defame or harm their reputation is completely unacceptable under the Constitution and Indian law. The court’s decision was prompted by a petition filed by Sonam’s mother, Sangita Raghuvanshi, who emphasized that her daughter has not yet been convicted. The High Court ruled that such actions are not only illegal but also violate democratic principles. This landmark decision has now inspired the AIYBS to pursue similar legal action against Ravan Dahan rituals in the state. Brahmin community prepares symbolic protests Rupesh Mehta, General Secretary of AIYBS, stated that Ravan had already faced punishment for his deeds in the Treta Yuga and that repeatedly burning his effigy today is a direct insult to the Brahmin community. He emphasized that the organization would take proactive steps ahead of Dussehra, including breaking black pots in the names of Dussehra event organizers at public grounds. In addition, prayers would be offered for the organizers’ wisdom and well-being. Mehta said, “Effigies of Ravan are repeatedly burned to remind people of his deeds, but in doing so, the Brahmin community is insulted. We have already written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav requesting intervention and urging a reconsideration of this practice.” Earlier protests in Ujjain and awareness campaigns The opposition to Ravan Dahan is not new. Around 15 days ago, several posters opposing Ravan Dahan were put up in different areas of Ujjain by the AIYBS and Mahakal Sena. These posters highlighted concerns over the repeated burning of Ravan effigies and urged the public and local authorities to reconsider the practice. Mahakal Sena had also appealed to Brahmin community members not to participate in such events, emphasizing that the tradition has been misused for entertainment and political purposes rather than being based on religious or historical significance. Mahesh Pujari, patron of Mahakal Sena, noted that neither history nor the Ramayana mentions Ravan Dahan. He described the current tradition as a deviation from religious texts, turning into a tool for spectacle and politics. Pujari added that only those truly following the ideals of Ram should conduct Ravan Dahan, implying that many modern celebrations distort the essence of the festival. Targeted awareness and public outreach AIYBS has also organized a campaign to create awareness about the issue at key locations in Indore. Posters have been displayed at Ramghat, Gudri Chauraha, and near Mahakal Ghati questioning the necessity of burning Ravan effigies and urging the public to reconsider this practice. These campaigns aim to generate dialogue about the social and cultural implications of Ravan Dahan and its potential to defame the Brahmin community. Last year, Mahakal Sena had written to the Chief Minister, requesting a ban on such events, highlighting the sensitivity of the issue. Paurush organization’s controversial preparations Meanwhile, the Paurush organization had prepared effigies representing 11 individuals, including Sonam Raghuvanshi, for burning during Dussehra. The move faced strong objections from Sonam’s family, particularly her brother Govind and the Raghuvanshi community. Complaints were lodged with Indore Collector Shivam Verma, requesting the event be halted. The family argued that burning effigies of individuals who have not yet been convicted of crimes is unfair and legally problematic. The AIYBS sees this incident as emblematic of a broader issue. Rupesh Mehta stated, “Just as the court prevented the burning of Shurpanakha effigies because of their association with real individuals, we believe the same principle should apply to Ravan Dahan. The court will provide justice to the Brahmin community as well.”