51-Foot Ravana Effigy Burned in Kareli, Minister Urges Renunciation of Ego

Kareli | आशीष नेमा

Grand Dussehra Celebration in Kareli

Kareli, Madhya Pradesh | October 21, 2026 - On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, Kareli witnessed a grand Dussehra festival, symbolizing the victory of truth over falsehood. The event, jointly organized by the Siyaram Sena Samiti, Grain Merchant Association, Galla Vyapari, and Jai Bajrang Vanar Sena Samiti at the Old Grain Market premises, featured the ceremonial burning of a towering Ravana effigy, approximately 51 feet tall.

A large number of enthusiastic citizens, not only from the town but also from surrounding rural areas, gathered to witness this significant event. This age-old tradition vividly keeps alive the message of the triumph of good over evil. The burning of the Ravana effigy, representing wickedness and ego, conveys a message of establishing positivity and righteousness in society.

Cabinet Minister Delivers Key Message on Ego and Respect

This year's Dussehra celebration was graced by the presence of State Cabinet Minister Prahlad Singh Patel as the chief guest. He was accompanied by several distinguished guests, including former State Minister Jalam Singh Patel, former Rajya Sabha MP Kailash Soni, District BJP President Ramsnehi Pathak, social worker Mahant Preetampuri Goswami, Sunil Kothari, Surendra Mohan Nema, and Municipal President Sushila Mamar.

The program commenced with a grand Maharati of Lord Rama, Lakshman, and Hanuman, followed by traditional worship rituals. Subsequently, the Ravana effigy was symbolically set ablaze, marking a moment of symbolic victory.

Addressing the gathering, Cabinet Minister Prahlad Singh Patel inspired the attendees to learn from Ravana's character and his destructive end. He stated that despite being immensely learned and powerful, Ravana met his doom due to his profound ego. Minister Patel emphasized that Ravana's life and demise clearly prove that individuals must always shun arrogance and fully respect women. He identified ego as the primary reason for Ravana's downfall, noting it wasn't just a personal failure but a defeat of a principle harmful to society.

Minister Patel described the Vijayadashami festival as an inspiring occasion to steadfastly follow the path of truth, righteousness, and virtue, reminding us to remain constantly mindful of our actions. He added that the festival teaches us that no matter how powerful evil may seem momentarily, truth and righteousness ultimately prevail.

Preserving a Centuries-Old Tradition

The tradition of burning the Ravana effigy at Kareli's Old Grain Market has been ongoing for years, continuously kept alive by the Siyaram Sena Samiti. This committee, with the support of local traders and citizens, plays a crucial role in the successful execution of this grand event annually.

This year's event not only strengthened the religious beliefs of the town but also infused new energy and vibrancy into its cultural richness. The cooperation of various committees, such as the Grain Merchant Association and Jai Bajrang Vanar Sena Samiti, has been instrumental in sustaining this tradition. Through these joint efforts, this centuries-old tradition remains as relevant and vibrant today as it was in the past.

The successful organization of this grand program is jointly attributed to the tireless efforts of the various committees who collaboratively made this celebration memorable. This collective endeavor symbolizes the unity of Kareli's citizens and their dedication to their cultural heritage.

The program was expertly compered by journalists Abhishek Shrivastava and Vaibhav Nema, who kept the audience engaged with their conversational skills. Finally, Abhishek Agrawal expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the esteemed guests, supporting organizations, and the assembled public. He acknowledged that the success of this event would have been unimaginable without everyone's cooperation.

The success of this event once again effectively showcased Kareli's social unity and cultural pride. With the burning of the Ravana effigy, a wave of Vijayadashami joy swept across the entire premises, and attendees were seen resolving to walk the path of truth.

This event was not merely a religious ritual but also served as a vital platform for social interaction, cultural exchange, and collective consciousness. Thus, this celebration emerged as a significant confluence of religious faith and rich tradition, destined to inspire generations to come.