Dussehra 2025 Live: In this UP village, Ravan is worshipped, not burnt
While the rest of the country would mark Dussehra on Thursday by burning effigies of Ravan as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil, the village of Bisrakh in Noida observes the day differently. Here, residents worship Ravan, believing the village to be his birthplace.
According to locals, Bisrakh derives its name from Rishi Vishrava (also called Vishravas), the father of Ravan. They consider Ravan the "son of Bisrakh" and revere him for his wisdom and devotion to Lord Shiva.
"Ravan and his brothers Kumbhkaran, Vibhishan and their sister Surpanakha were born here. They were the children of Rishi Vishrava, who himself was the son of Rishi Pulastya," temple mahant Ram Das Maharaj told PTI.
The mahant said Ravan was born with one head, but during penance to Lord Shiva, he offered his head ten times to the Shivling in the temple premises. Pleased, Shiva granted him the form of 'Dashanan'.
He added that Bisrakh was also associated with Rishi Pulastya's ashram, and that both Vishrava and Lord Brahma were believed to have connections to the place.
Unlike elsewhere, residents of Bisrakh do not participate in Ramleela or effigy burning. "We celebrate Dussehra by cooking festive food like kheer and puri and by worshipping weapons. But we mourn Ravan's death, so we don't burn his effigy," the mahant said.