Stop burning Ravan's effigy: Lankesh Bhakt Mandal

Lankesh Bhakt Mandal in Mathura has once again demanded that the practice of burning Ravan's effigy on Dussehra be stopped, calling it an insult to the demon king who is revered by some as a great devotee of Lord Shiva and a scholar.

As a mark of protest against the tradition, members of the group performed an "aarti" of Ravan's idol on the banks of the Yamuna river on Thursday and recited mantras from morning till evening, seeking wisdom for the society.

"Burning his effigy is an insult to Sanatan Dharma," Omvir Saraswat, president of the mandal, said, adding such acts are akin to committing a sin equivalent to killing cows or Brahmins, besides causing pollution and accidents.