Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut became the first woman to perform Ravan Dahan at Lav Kush Ramleela in New Delhi on the occasion of Dussehra on Tuesday.
The president of Lav Kush Ramleela Committee of Delhi, Arjun Singh said, “In the 50-year history of the event, held annually at the Red Fort, this was the first time a woman set the effigy of the demon king ablaze by shooting an arrow.”
Further informing that the committee made the decision in a nod to the recently passed Women’s Reservation Bill, Singh was quoted by PTI saying, “Be it a film star or a politician, every year we have a VIP grace our event. In the past, we have had former President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi do the honours. Among film stars, Ajay Devgn and John Abraham have been here. Last year, Prabhas did the Ravan Dahan. For the first time in 50 years of our event, it will be a woman who will do the Ravan Dahan.”
“Lav Kush Ramleela Committee also wants equal rights for women. Women's participation is increasing in every walk of life today, but there is still a long way to go. The bill will help in the development of the country and society,” he added.
He further said, “Now, a woman can also set fire to the effigy of Ravan, she can end evil too. Women should be given this right too. And that’s why we chose Kangana ji for the same.”