My mother asked me to come along with her to the Dussehra celebrations that had been organised in the adjacent sector. Dussehra always brought some old memories. As kids, we would go to Parade Ground in sector 17 and enjoy the fireworks. I remember watching the 'Jhankis' and can never forget the grand
Ravana. He used to be a small time vendor in one of the city markets but on Vijay Dashmi, sitting on a horse, having a huge frame, he would mesmerise people, me being one of them. As we grew up, the charm of Dussehra gradually started declining. It was finally reduced to Dussehra shopping. Till the last couple of years, my sister and I would go and buy something auspicious for our home. The only constant that remained was my father bringing home
jalebis. This time, I was literally forced by my mother saying that it'll be a good change from the routine. I agreed, can never say no to my mom. While walking towards the venue, I could see parents and their little kids moving hastily and excitedly towards the fireworks. I pointed towards them and said, Mama, see the parents and the kids, the parents have come because of their kids. She said, 'I am also with my kid'. I couldn't help but smile. I guess, no matter how much we grow, we shall always remain kids for our parents. So, finally we got a seat, amidst a pleasant crowd. The enthusiasm of kids was enchanting. The children were so elated to shake hands with Ravana. Meghnath was the most artistic, he managed to enthrall people by making a stern face and strange eyes. The little kid sitting right next to me, she must be around four, said, Didi, why does Ravana have such bad hair, doesn't he use a shampoo? Again, I could not help smiling, these kids of today, being brought up on plastic money. I guess, why does he ride a horse, where is his car, was coming next. Finally, the time came for Ravana dehan. People started standing on the chairs to catch a glimpse of the sight. There were fireworks and then the finale, effigies of Ravana, Meghdoot and Kumbhkaran, brought to ashes. An old lady, standing next to us, said, finally, its over. Ravana was a very learned man. My mother nodded her head in affirmative. Then, they both agreed in unison and said, yeah, he only made one mistake in his life. I could see the concern on their faces.
Time to leave, but people were not ready to leave the premises. The policemen on duty were not allowing the people to go near the burnt effigies but people stood their waiting. We enquired from one of the women waiting near the last ashes, as to what was this all about. She told us that it was good to take the burnt twigs home, its auspicious. Next question, what do you do with the twigs....she had no answer, said that she herself had heard this from someone. An old policeman overheard and said that maybe it is to ward off evil spirits, but then he himself jokingly added, what about the 'bhoot' that people already have in their homes?? again a question with no answer, I guess. That lady did manage, a burnt branch from the Ravana effigies, it was much more than a twig...Some people worshipped, were bowing their heads in front of the effigies and some touched the feet of the people who had played the part of Ram, Laxman and Hanuman. At the end of the day, it's all faith, I believe. When we reached home, my father was there with his favourite garama garam jalebis. Some constants thankfully never change!
