KARACHI: Amid claps, whistles, laughs and the playing of bhajans praising Ram and Laxman, a huge effigy of over 36 feet height is burnt. It is the death of evil so no one be sad.

That was the message at the Shri Swami Narayan Mandir as anyone and everyone was welcome to come and watch the victory of good over evil during the Dussehra festival here on Friday.

The Hindu gods and brothers Ram Chander and Laxman may have fought the evil Ravan on their chariots or elephants at one time, but here on the temple grounds they rode a blue Suzuki pick-up amid cheers as they waved to everyone before coming face to face with the huge effigy and aiming their arrows at it.

The effigy was a joint effort from neighbourhood kids. “It took us some six days to make it. The main structure is made from bamboos, the stuffing is hay and the outer side covered with cloth,” explained Avinash, one of the kids who helped build it. “It is around three storeys high,” he added.

And who selects the ones posing as Ram and Laxman? “Well, the temple management does. Only those can play the part who have actively participated in the festival since childhood,” shared Jai, another young man. “Once selected for the role, the temple management also gives two-day training to aim and shoot the burning arrows,” he said.

Suddenly there was a huge uproar as the gallant young men with red tilaks decorating their foreheads got ready to shoot their burning arrows. “Step back, step back!” Some people warned as Ravan was hit and set ablaze. He was a matter of a few minutes then.

Published in Dawn, October 4th, 2014