Bisrakh Residents Celebrate Ravan as Ancestor, Reject Dussehra Tradition

As the rest of the country burns effigies of Ravan during Dussehra, the residents of Bisrakh, a village that claims to be the birthplace of the mythical demon king, are finding new ways to commemorate their ancestor. For the past several years, local businesses in Bisrakh have been proudly named after Ravan, including a Ravan DJ, a Ravan kirana (grocery) store, and even a Ravan RO (reverse osmosis) water supply.

The villagers, who refer to themselves as 'Ravanyios' (people from Ravan's village), see no taboo in associating their trades with Ravan's name. In fact, they believe it is a blessing that has helped their businesses grow. Mohit Gurjar, the owner of Asli Raavan DJ, says the name was suggested by village elders as a mark of respect to their ancestor. Similarly, Vinit Bhati named his grocery store Ravan kirana store, believing it would earn him his ancestor's blessings.

Unlike the rest of the country, Bisrakh does not celebrate Dussehra by burning Ravan's effigy. Instead, the village mourns Ravan's passing on this day. "We do not celebrate Dussehra. Instead, we pray for Ravan's soul and for our village on this day," says a local resident. The residents of Bisrakh see Ravan as a protector and a source of pride, defying the traditional narrative that portrays him as the villain.