Festival figure

This 12-foot-high figure of villain-king Ravana was created in India between 1945–1965.

 

Anil Bajpai, a Children’s Museum adviser from the Indianapolis Hindu community, explains that “Ravana is respected for his power, energy, and knowledge, but he is unable to control his vices. He was close to immortality, but he had so many faults—greed, arrogance, ego, and lust. His 10 heads show that if he wanted something, he had to have it and would try 10 times until he got it, as is the case with his desire to see Shiva. Nine times Shiva was not revealed to him, but on the 10th time, Ravana succeeded. The 10 heads also represent Ravana’s capability to master 10 things at once.”

 

Figures like this are paraded about during Dussehra, an annual festival celebrated in many parts of India. Part of the entertainment includes the performance of a lila, or play, with elaborate sets, props, and costumes. During the climax, a giant figure of Ravana is burned, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.