Signing you in

At the Keshav Ramlila in Netaji Subhash Place, Pitampura, the insect will also be set ablaze as part of a symbolic gesture aimed at burning away the “evil” associated with it.

The addition makes the event stand out from the familiar Dussehra tradition, in which effigies of the three mythological figures are burnt to mark the victory of good over evil. This time, the cockroach has been included alongside them, giving the celebration an unexpected twist.

The effigy has been prepared specifically for the occasion and will be burnt along with those of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhakarna.