Punjab: The re-enactment of Ramayana and the festival of victory of good over evil concluded with the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhakarna. However, many people from the region continue religious rituals till the immersion of ashes in holy water bodies, along with performing an elaborate puja. Office bearers and workers of Ramlila and Dussehra committees from this part of Malwa visited Haridwar to immerse the ashes (remains of the effigies) of Ravana and his brothers in the Ganga and perform puja for the well-being of the residents. Ahmedgarh Trimurti Art Forum president Deepak Sharma said artists, volunteers and workers had come to Haridwar to perform the last rites of Ravana, who was cremated on Dussehra.
Chandan Sharma, who played the role of Ravana during Ramlila, said he visits Haridwar every year to immerse Ravana’s ashes in the Ganga and perform puja to seek peace and tranquility in the region. When contacted, Baba Pandit claimed that people are visiting Haridwar to perform puja for peace and prosperity in the entire region. He said, “Earlier they used to come in groups and stay for a few days during which they would perform puja and organise bhandara. However, most of those coming from Punjab return home the same day after performing asthi immersion and puja.” Pracharak Rajesh Tiwari said there are different views about the practice of immersing the ashes of people who, according to mythology, reached Vaikunth after being killed by Lord Rama. “However, most of the pracharaks from north India advocate the ritual of asthi immersion and puja to get the blessings of the incarnations of Vishnu,” Tiwari said.
