Hathras (UP), March 29 A unique tradition in the town of Sahpau, in the Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh, involves burning the effigy of the demon king Ravana on the Dashami of Chaitra Navratri. Unlike most places where it is set ablaze during Sharadiya Navratri on Dussehra, this practice is unique to Sahpau.
According to Devendra Kumar Varshney, president of the Ramlila Festival Committee, only the effigy of Ravana was burned on Saturday. "The actor portraying Lord Ram released a 'agni baan' (arrow of fire), setting the effigy ablaze," he said.
He added that on Dussehra, neither a Ramlila is staged nor is the effigy of Ravana burned in Sahpau.
Explaining the origins of this practice, which is nearly 180 years old, Varshney said that local lore attributes it to an epidemic that struck the region around two centuries ago.
"Residents performed a havan (ritualistic fire offering) and later organized a Ramlila. It was believed that burning the effigy of Ravana would help end the epidemic. Since then, no such outbreak has occurred," he said.
The effigy was burned at Hanuman Teela, with large participation from nearby rural areas.
The town wore a festive look on the occasion, with fairgrounds hosting stalls selling daily goods, toys, food items, and offering various entertainment options and swings.