JALANDHAR: In Mohalla Ram nagar here 25 feet tall effigies of Arayan god, Rama and his younger brother Lakhsmana, were burnt this year also like last year They are considered chavinistic because they did not believe Sita’s chastity 4nd on the basis of an ill founded rumorin they ill-treated her.
In these gala celebrations about 5,000 people participated. They danced in great joy as the effigies were consumed by fire, one youth leader said until the upper castes (Aryans) stopped burning the effigy of Mahatma Ravana, a great buddhist king who saved Sita form her cruel husband they will continue to burn this anti woman and antihuman Ramaall over Punjab. He appealed to the Dalits that they should observe, no Hindu festivals like Diwali as they are meant for Hindus, Rather they should participate in the birthday celebration of all Sikh Guru and Dalit leaders. Children shouted saying “Mahatma Ravana Amar Rahey” (May the Great Ravana be eternal). Rama the slayer of shambhuk Rishi Murdabad haiHai (Down with Rama slayer of Sage Shambhuk).
Article extracted from this publication >> February 17, 1989
