Unique Rituals in Ravana Village: A Different Take on Dussehra Celebrations

Vidisha, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : In Vidisha, a village named Ravana offers a unique perspective on the Dussehra festival, which is celebrated across India as a victory of good over evil. While many communities burn effigies of Ravana during this time, the residents of Ravana village in the Nateran tehsil of Madhya Pradesh do not partake in this tradition. Instead, they regard Ravana not as a symbol of evil, but as their village deity, affectionately known as “Ravana Baba.”

At the heart of the village stands an ancient temple featuring a nearly 12-foot statue of Ravana in a reclining position. Every morning and evening, villagers perform rituals and prayers with great reverence. Any auspicious event, such as weddings or religious ceremonies, begins with an invitation to Ravana Baba. The first wedding invitation card is presented to him, and oil is offered at the statue’s navel to bless the occasion.

It is widely believed that no significant event can proceed smoothly without the blessings of Ravana Baba. The villagers’ devotion runs deep, with some Brahmin families claiming descent from Ravana himself. Young people often inscribe “Jai Lankesh” on their vehicles and tattoo images and names of the deity on their bodies. During Dussehra, the village hosts readings of the Ramayana, devotional singing, and a grand community feast, attracting devotees from Vidisha, Bhopal, and surrounding areas.

Naresh Tiwari, a priest at the Ravana Baba temple, shared, “Ravana Baba has been here since ancient times, and the entire village thrives under his protection. All our auspicious activities start here. Those who come with wishes find their prayers answered. On Dussehra, we organize large feasts, singing, and rituals, drawing many devotees.”

Rajesh Dhakad, a representative of the village and nearby Bamori, emphasized that the village’s identity is closely tied to the ancient statue of Ravana Baba. According to local legends, he subdued a powerful demon and established himself in a resting pose here. “Our youth proudly display ‘Jai Lankesh’ on their vehicles and get tattoos of him. Each wedding invitation is first offered to Ravana Baba. Every villager, even those living away, returns for the feast and prayers on Dussehra,” he noted.

Govind Narayan Tiwari, a local resident, expressed, “We worship Ravana Maharaj as our chief deity. No one in the village watches the burning of Ravana, nor does it happen here. Before any auspicious event, we honor Ravana Baba, and during weddings, the first offerings of oil and turmeric are made to him. On Dussehra, families gather at the temple for prayers, readings of the Ramayana, and to partake in the communal feast.”