We all root for good over evil, pray for its victory, and celebrate the victory by burning the effigy of evil. Dusshera. That’s when Lord Ram overpowered evil king Raavan to reclaim his wife Sita. A day, that has been celebrated since then as Dusshera. Dusshera. When the whole nation erupts in celebration. Wait. Not exactly the whole nation.
One pocket, on the outskirts of Noida, goes into mourning on Dusshera.
Now, you might be wondering why.
For the village of Bisrakh, this is the day when the son of their soil breathed his last, when he was laid to rest. They perform a yagna to make sure that the slain Raavan’s soul rests in peace. This is the day when tales of Raavan’s greatness are told, when the legends of the evil King are passed down to the newer generations.
And it isn’t just Raavan who is worshipped and revered here. His father Vishvara, on whose name the village was named is also worshipped. According to Pandit Sonu Tiwari ji, Raavan’s original name was ‘Dasgreha’ and he got the name ‘Raavan’ after he offered his prayers to lord Brahma.
So, the next time you celebrate Dusshera, remember this little village near Noida.