Ravan Podi (burning of effigy of demon king Ravan) is a common event during Durga Puja festival across the country every year. All the dignitaries, who attend as guests, highlight virtues of the ‘Maryada Purusottam Ramachanadra’ and juxtapose of the demon king.
This year, many such events were organised at different parts of Sambalpur city, and the Dalaipada Ravan Poda is the most prominent one since lakhs of people enjoy it from the Mahanadi ring road. A huge effigy of Ravan is burnt and firecrackers are the added attraction.
This year, the BJD stole the show though the event was initiated by the BJP. local MlA Dr Raseswari Panigrahi graced as chief guest of the utshav while party’s district president Dr Pramod Rath, Sambalpur Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bimalendu Ray and his wife were present as other guests.
Making a traditional speech, Panigrahi appealed to the people present to kill the Ravan within them so that the world could be turned into a heaven. So also was the speech of all others, including Commissioner Ray.
But the person, who was anchoring the meeting, made a different speec at the end. Much to the surprise of the people, the leaders and the guests present, he raised the issue of ‘Mahanadi Water’ very cleverly.
He warned that Mahanadi is going to be a dry bed due to due to construction of barrages by the Chhattisgarh Government with support of the Centre.
“Hence, next year we will burn the Ravans of Chhattisgarh at this place if they continue constructing barrages in spite of the protest of Odisha people and the Government,” the anchorman said.
“The political smell from the announcement of the anchorman was clear,” observed some intellectuals.
At the same time, the person didn’t lose a chance to attack the BJP-led Union Government when the guests were totally nonpolitical in their speeches.