The Shri Keshav Ram Leela Committee in Pitampura has introduced a 30-foot cockroach effigy as part of its Dussehra celebrations, aiming to highlight the importance of cleanliness and hygiene. The unusual initiative has also sparked debate over the role of contemporary messages in traditional religious festivities.
30-Foot Cockroach Effigy Planned for Dussehra
Delhi’s Dussehra celebrations are set to feature an unusual addition this year, with a giant cockroach effigy scheduled to be burned alongside the traditional effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad.
The initiative has been organised by the Shri Keshav Ram Leela Committee at its grounds in Pitampura. According to reports published on October 20, 2026, the cockroach effigy is approximately 30 feet tall and is intended to draw public attention to the problem of dirt and unhygienic surroundings.
Organisers Say the Message Is About Cleanliness
The committee has explained that the cockroach represents filth and unclean conditions in homes, neighbourhoods and society. Organisers say the symbolic burning is intended to reinforce the message of cleanliness associated with initiatives such as Swachh Bharat and Swachh Delhi.
Committee president and BJP MLA Ashok Goel has said the decision is not politically motivated. He described the initiative as an extension of the traditional Dussehra message of the victory of good over evil.
Traditional Effigies Remain Central
The cockroach effigy will accompany the familiar figures of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad, which are traditionally burned during Vijayadashami celebrations.
Organisers have previously used effigies to draw attention to issues they consider harmful to society, including terrorism and Naxalism. The latest addition similarly attempts to connect the festival’s symbolism with a contemporary civic concern.
Unusual Addition Sparks Debate
The plan has attracted attention on social media, with some users questioning whether the unusual effigy is appropriate at a religious celebration. Critics have argued that introducing contemporary references could distract from the festival’s traditional significance.
The organisers, however, have maintained that their stated objective is to promote cleanliness rather than target any political group.
A Festival Message Beyond the Effigies
The initiative highlights how public Dussehra events can also be used to communicate messages about social and civic issues. While the traditional burning of Ravana symbolises the triumph of good over evil, the cockroach effigy is intended to encourage people to address unhygienic conditions in their everyday surroundings.
The planned burning in Pitampura adds a new element to Delhi’s Vijayadashami celebrations, combining a familiar cultural tradition with a public cleanliness message.