Vidisha, October 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
While Dussehra celebrations across India traditionally culminate in the burning of Ravana’s effigies, a village in Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha district follows a different tradition, worshipping the King of Lanka, affectionately known as ‘Ravan Baba’, as its presiding deity.
Located in Nateran tehsil, Ravan village is home to an ancient temple that locals believe dates back to the Parmar era. The temple houses a 12-foot idol of Ravana in a reclining posture, where daily prayers and aarti are performed. Instead of burning his effigy on Dussehra, villagers organise Ramayana recitations, devotional singing and a community feast that attracts devotees from Vidisha, Bhopal and neighbouring areas.
Speaking to IANS, Pandit Naresh Tiwari, the temple priest, said villagers believe Ravan Baba protects their community and that every auspicious occasion should begin with his blessings.
“Our village, named Ravan, has an idol of Ravan Maharaj established. Ravan Baba Maharaj presides here, and our entire village resides under his protection. All our tasks are accomplished through him,” Tiwari said.
He added that villagers seek the deity’s blessings before weddings, pre-wedding rituals, Bhagwat Kirtans and Ramayana recitations. According to him, beginning an auspicious undertaking without seeking Ravan Baba’s blessings is believed to invite obstacles.
The tradition also extends to personal milestones, including weddings and the purchase of new vehicles. Villagers offer the first wedding invitation to Ravan Baba and seek his blessings before proceeding with the ceremonies.
Rajesh Dhakad, a representative of the village head, said local folklore explains the presence of Ravana’s idol through a legend about a powerful demon who wanted to challenge Ravana. According to the story, Ravan Baba came to the place and shattered the demon’s pride, which is why the idol depicts Ravana in a resting posture.
“The story of how the village got its name has been passed down through generations. There is no specific date, but ‘Ravan’ is an ancient name. Because the idol of Ravan Baba is here, the village is identified by his name,” Dhakad said.
He added that the annual Dussehra bhandara holds special significance for the community, with villagers who have moved elsewhere returning for the occasion.
“Many people come with their wishes, and their wishes have been fulfilled here in the past. So, wherever they might be, they definitely come here on the day of Dussehra,” he said.
Pandit Govind Narayan Tiwari, a local resident, said Ravana is worshipped as a deity in the village and is given precedence during religious and family ceremonies.
“We worship Ravan Maharaj as a deity, and everyone else does too, because Ravan Maharaj is indeed a god. Here, Ravan Baba is worshipped first during every auspicious event,” he said.
He added that wedding rituals also begin with offerings to Ravan Baba, including the first offering of oil, before other ceremonies are performed.
The village’s distinctive Dussehra tradition reflects a local religious practice in which Ravana, commonly portrayed as the antagonist in the Ramayana and symbolically associated with the triumph of good over evil, is revered instead as a protector and village deity.
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