Dussehra 2023: Kangana Ranaut will be first woman in 50 years to burn Ravan effigy at Delhi's Lav Kush Ramleela

Actor Kangana Ranaut will perform the Ravan Dahan at the national capital's famed Lav Kush Ramleela on the occasion of Dussehra.

In the 50-year history of the event, held annually at Red Fort, this will be the first time a woman will set the effigy of the demon king ablaze by shooting an arrow, said Arjun Singh, president of Lav Kush Ramleela Committee of Delhi. Singh said the decision was taken by the committee in a nod to the Women's Reservation Bill, which was passed by parliament last month.

"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 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," Singh told PTI.