Effigy of drugs set ablaze on Dussehra in Punjab

In an attempt to discourage drug use among youth in the state, an effigy of drugs raised along with effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran was set ablaze here on the occasion of Dussehra festival today.

"A 40-feet high black-robed effigy of drugs was set up and burnt along with effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran so that the state could get rid of evil of drugs and intoxicants, plaguing youths of Punjab," said Darshan Lal Dharamshot, Chairman of Maharana Partap Kala Manch Dussehra Committee.

The other three effigies were a bit higher and made in conventional colours but the drugs' demon was made in black colour, he said, adding, "this modern times evil of 'nashas' (addiction) was ruining many areas of the country, especially Punjabis, in a catastrophic way".