Heavy rain on Thursday dampened Dussehra celebrations across the national capital, drenching effigies of Ravan and forcing the cancellation of several major events, including those slated to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. PM Modi was scheduled to attend the Raavan Dahan organized by the Indraprastha Ramleela Committee, but the sudden downpour led to its cancellation.
“The prime minister could not attend due to the rain. The effigies were damaged but later set on fire in the presence of Union Minister Harsh Malhotra, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely, and others,” said Suresh Bindal, the committee president.
Similarly, Amit Shah was unable to participate in the Keshav Ramleela Committee’s event at DDA Ground, Netaji Subhash Place, Pitampura. Instead, BJP national general secretary Arun Singh attended as chief guest for the effigy burning. The committee’s president Ashok Goyal Devaraha expressed hope by stating they will invite Shah again next year to perform the Dahan.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that, by 5:30 pm, Pitampura recorded 17.5 mm of rainfall, Ridge noted 15.4 mm, and Mayur Vihar received 9.5 mm. Such rainfall severely affected the Dussehra festivities.
Organisers across Delhi struggled to keep the effigies dry. Members of the Adarsh Ramleela Committee in Ashok Vihar commented, “We tried to cover it with plastic, but most of it still got drenched. It seems Indra Dev wanted Ravan to drown rather than burn this year.”
At Pitampura’s Aryan Heritage Foundation, organiser Anil Garg mentioned, “Around 10% of the effigy got drenched despite plastic covers. There was waterlogging, but we hope the Dahan goes well.”
Similarly, Nitin Gupta, treasurer of the Hanumant Dharmik Ramleela Committee in East Delhi, expressed concern over the weather. “The rain came as a shock and delayed preparations. We are now using petrol and diesel to ensure the effigy catches fire,” he stated.
The weather conditions this year marked a stark contrast to previous Dussehra celebrations, where vibrant processions and crowds enjoyed the festivities. Organisers aimed to salvage the spirit of the festival despite facing trouble due to the bad weather.
As rain continued throughout the day, many in the capital lamented the missed opportunities for celebration. The community spirit, however, shone through as multiple committees took to social media to share their efforts in completing the rituals despite setbacks.
With rich cultural significance, Dussehra represents the triumph of good over evil, resonating deeply within Indian tradition. This year, the weather stirred challenges but also illustrated the resilience of Delhi’s spirit. Organisers and attendees alike express hope for brighter skies next year.
