30‑foot cockroach puppet to be burnt in Delhi’s Ramleela with Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Meghnad

Delhi's annual Ramleela, organized by the city's cultural committee, will include an unusual addition this year – a 30‑foot tall puppet shaped like a cockroach. The massive figure is slated to be set on fire alongside the conventional demon puppets of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad during the climax of the performance. Organisers said the inclusion aims to underscore the symbolic defeat of evil, extending the traditional narrative with a contemporary visual element. The event, scheduled for the upcoming Dussehra celebrations, is expected to draw large crowds from across the capital. Authorities have assured that safety measures are in place to manage the large pyre and the towering puppet.

The decision to feature the cockroach puppet was taken by the Ramleela committee after deliberations on how to make the age‑old story more visually striking for modern audiences. While the practice of burning demon effigies is customary, the 30‑foot cockroach is a first for Delhi's festivities. Spectators will witness the puppet being ignited in a coordinated sequence, marking the final act of the drama.

Security and fire‑safety teams will be on standby to monitor the proceedings, ensuring that the spectacle proceeds without incident. The inclusion of the cockroach puppet reflects a blend of tradition and innovation in India's cultural celebrations.