Mathura activists perform 'aarti' of demon king Ravana

While Ravana's effigies were burned at several places on Dussehra, an 'aarti' of the mythological character was performed at a Shiva temple in Mathura.

Activists of Lankesh Bhakta Mandal performed the 'aarti' Friday at the temple in Laxmi Nagar area amid the clanging of bells and sound of conch shells.

"The crusade against the burning of effigies of Ravana would continue till the orthodox custom of Ramleela is stopped," an activist said.

He said the practice of burning effigy affects the environment.

Saraswat, another activist, said those who burn an effigy of Ravana should also understand that the mythological character is believed to have unmatched knowledge of the Vedas and the Puranas.

He said Lankesh Bhakta Mandal activists took a pledge to continue their struggle against the practice of burning of Ravana's effigy.