📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Thesocialtalks
Politics
Delhi Ravan Dahan: Cockroach Effigy Sparks Gen Z Political Row
✍️ Kanak News Odisha
🗓 21 Oct 2026, 01:16 AM
👁 20
A cockroach effigy used in Delhi's Ravan Dahan ceremony has ignited a political row among Gen Z, sparking debate over symbolism and political messaging. The controversy highlights the growing influence of youth voices on social media.
Delhi’s annual Ravan Dahan, a tradition that burns effigies of the demon king Ravana, featured an unusual element this year: a cockroach‑shaped effigy. The figure was displayed alongside the traditional Ravana sculpture during the ceremony held in the capital.
The choice of a cockroach, a creature often associated with filth and resilience, drew sharp attention on social media. Many Gen Z users criticized the symbolism, arguing that it carried a political message that was not part of the traditional narrative.
The debate spread rapidly across platforms, with users sharing images of the effigy and posting commentary. Some argued that the use of the cockroach was a deliberate attempt to convey a political stance, while others defended it as a creative expression.
The incident underscores how youth engagement on digital platforms can amplify controversies surrounding cultural events, prompting organizers to reconsider the symbolism they employ in public celebrations.
The choice of a cockroach, a creature often associated with filth and resilience, drew sharp attention on social media. Many Gen Z users criticized the symbolism, arguing that it carried a political message that was not part of the traditional narrative.
The debate spread rapidly across platforms, with users sharing images of the effigy and posting commentary. Some argued that the use of the cockroach was a deliberate attempt to convey a political stance, while others defended it as a creative expression.
The incident underscores how youth engagement on digital platforms can amplify controversies surrounding cultural events, prompting organizers to reconsider the symbolism they employ in public celebrations.