Addiction Symbol Effigy to be Burned Alongside Ravana at Mohali Dussehra Fair

The annual Dussehra fair in Mohali is set to include a new element this year: an effigy symbolising addiction. Organisers have announced that this effigy will be placed alongside the traditional figures of Ravana, his brothers and wife, and will be burnt during the concluding ceremony. The move aims to highlight the social issue of substance abuse while adhering to the customary practice of burning Ravana’s effigies to mark the triumph of good over evil. Attendees at the fair can expect the combined pyre to be a visual reminder of both mythological and contemporary battles. The inclusion of the addiction effigy reflects a growing trend of using cultural festivals to raise awareness about public health concerns.

The Dussehra celebrations in Mohali attract large crowds each year, and this year's addition underscores the organizers' intent to blend tradition with a social message. By integrating the addiction symbol into the ritual, officials hope to spark conversations among the public about the dangers of substance dependence.

No further details on the design of the effigy or the specific messages to be conveyed have been released, but the decision has been widely reported in local media ahead of the festival.