A majority of Indians believe that Ravana is a villain. History and literature have projected him as a villain. In North India, during the Ramleela festival, the effigy of Ravana is burnt, signifying the destruction of evil. However, there is a tradition of venerating Ravana with great devotion in Karnataka.

This rare tradition is found in the perennially drought-stricken district of Kolar. This tradition of worshipping Lankadipathi, the king of Lanka, prevailing for centuries, is not known to people in the other parts of the State.
The festival of Ravana is one among the hundreds of fairs and festivals which take place in Kolar after the harvest season. Great importance is attached to this festival.

The festival attracts thousands of admirers of Ravana, who come from distant villages to Thayalur, Mulbagal, Sugatur, Vakkaleri, Avani and Kolar, where the festival is held. People from the villages of the neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh also attend this festival.

It may be noted here that the festival which takes place once a year is linked with Eshwara. Along with the idol of Eshwara, the idol of the ten-headed Ravana is also taken in a procession in the various villages where this festival is held. The village deity is also taken in a procession in a palanquin during this festival.

There is no definite information about the origin of the festival and as to why Ravana is venerated in these parts. However, if you ask the devotees of Ravana, they say that Ravana was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva and therefore as a devotee of Lord Shiva he merits honour along with Lord Shiva.

In the various villages where this festival is celebrated, Shiva is known by various names like Gangadhareshwara, Ramalingeshwara and Markandeshwara. However, the name of Ravana in each of these villages is prominent. The idol of Ravana with its 10 heads and 20 arms is larger than the idol of Shiva.

In Thayalur of Mulbagal taluk, the Lankeshwara Festival is celebrated with an intricately-carved chariot, gaily decorated with lamps. In Vakkaleri, Ravana reigns in a palanquin erected over a tractor. In Sugatur Ravana is accompanied by Kodandaramaswamy, while in Vakkaleri he is accompanied by Anjaneya and Sri Ramachandra.

When the idol of Ravana is brought out for the festival there is ritual sacrifice of sheep and fowl in some places. In other places, as a prelude to the festival, there is offering of food.

During the Ravana festival in Thayalur, a procession of Ganga Shirasu (Shiva’s knotted plait representing River Ganga) procession is taken out. Huvina Karaga is also celebrated at the same time. The worship of Ravana takes place at night. Lamps are lit in the entire village and various cultural programmes are organised.

It is interesting to note that there is a shrine dedicated to Ravana in the Malavalli taluk of Mandya district.

Translated by Michael Patrao