A 30-foot effigy of a cockroach will be set alight alongside those of Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad during a Ramlila event in Delhi this year, with organisers saying the insect symbolises filth and dirt.
The Shree Keshav Ram Leela Committee, which organises the annual event in Pitampura, said the initiative was intended to promote cleanliness under the “Swachh Bharat” and “Swachh Delhi” campaigns. Committee president and BJP MLA Ashok Goel told news agency PTI that the decision was not driven by political considerations. He said burning the effigy was meant to convey the message of good triumphing over evil while highlighting the importance of cleanliness. The cockroach will also be depicted among the ‘asuras’ in Ravan’s army, Goel said.
The decision comes as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has been holding protests in the national capital. The group initially demonstrated against former education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and has now joined protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The agitation eventually led to Pradhan’s resignation as minister.
In June and July, CJP members staged a protest at Jantar Mantar for more than a month before marching to Parliament on July 20.
Earlier reporting noted: 30-foot ‘cockroach’ effigy to join Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad at Delhi Ramleela Goel said the “cockroach” would also be included among the ‘asuras’ in Ravan’s army. (AI image) Earlier reporting noted: The Shree Keshav Ram Leela Committee, which organises the Ramleela in Pitampura, said the insect symbolises “filth and dirt” and that the initiative is part of the ” Swachh Bharat ” and “Swachh Delhi” campaigns. Earlier reporting noted: Committee president and BJP MLA Ashok Goel told PTI that the decision was not politically motivated.
