Ravana effigy burnt on Diwali Padwa in Badwani's Navalpura, Ram Darbar tableau taken out

An effigy of Ravana was burnt at 5:30 pm on Tuesday in Navalpura, at the Badwani district headquarters. Ravana Dahan is usually held on Vijayadashami, but here it is held on Diwali Padwa.

Members of the Hanuman Mandir Samiti set fire to the effigy, about 15 feet tall, at Hanuman Mandir square. Residents of the locality and nearby areas turned up in large numbers.

Before the burning, a tableau of Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman was taken out to the beat of dhol and tasha. After the effigy burnt, people set off fireworks and greeted one another.

According to local elders, the tradition has continued for many years. There is no clear information on when or why it began. Many traditional events in the Nimad region have no clear record of their origin or reasons.

During the festival, people celebrate with fireworks and exchange greetings, as is done after Ravana Dahan on Dussehra. The Ravana Dahan tradition in Navalpura is said to be more than several years old. There is also no clear belief or legend attached to it.