Dussehra 2023: Kangana Ranaut Becomes First Woman To Do Ravan Dahan In 50 Years At Red Fort

In a historic moment, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut took center stage at New Delhi's renowned Lav Kush Ramleela to perform the traditional Ravan Dahan ceremony on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra on Tuesday, 24th October.

This marked a significant departure from the event's 50-year history, which had never before witnessed a woman igniting the effigy of the demon king with a well-aimed arrow. Arjun Singh, the president of the Lav Kush Ramleela Committee of Delhi, confirmed this groundbreaking event, highlighting the importance of Kangana's participation.

Kangana's participation emblematic to Women's Reservation Bill:

The decision to include Kangana Ranaut in this iconic ceremony was emblematic of the Women's Reservation Bill passed by Parliament last month. Arjun Singh explained that their annual event had welcomed various VIP guests in the past. "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," Singh said as quoted by PTI

Singh also expressed the Lav Kush Ramleela Committee's commitment to advocating for equal rights for women, acknowledging the growing participation of women in all facets of life. He said, "Lav Kush Ramleela Committee also wants equal rights for women. Women 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," as per PTI.

Singh noted that to truly establish gender equality, it is vital to eliminate narrow-minded thinking. He added, "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,"

The Women Reservation Bill, which the committee referenced, aims to ensure 33 percent representation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, further advancing the cause of gender equality in Indian politics.

What else is Kangana Ranaut upto these days?

In addition to her participation in this historic event, Kangana Ranaut is currently engaged in promoting her upcoming film, "Tejas," set to hit the screens on the forthcoming Friday. In the film, directed by Sarvesh Mewara, she takes on the role of an Indian Air Force pilot, demonstrating her versatility as an actress.