#panipat

Students are increasingly looking at institutions outside of the IIMs and FMS, and with good reason, as the results of the CAT, CMAT, and IPU CET shape the goals of management candidates. Rukmini Devi Institute of Advanced Studies (RDIAS) is one of the most promising options in the capital region and a top pick for students looking for academic prestige, industry relevance, and high-quality education.

AICTE-approved and affiliated with Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), RDIAS has established itself as one of Delhi's leading MBA colleges. The institute's NAAC "A" accreditation attests to its high caliber of instruction and facilities. RDIAS is also listed among Delhi's best MBA schools.

RDIAS's curriculum strives to equip aspiring leaders with cutting-edge managerial abilities. The pedagogy exhibits its dedication to high-quality educational systems in a variety of fields, from business analytics and fintech to entrepreneurship and strategic leadership, with an emphasis on experiential learning with real-time industry integration.

RDIAS has an excellent placement record in addition to its academic accomplishments, with students landing jobs at firms like PolicyBazaar, ICICI Bank, KPMG, and Deloitte. Because of its advantageous location near Pitampura Metro Station and Delhi's major business districts, such as NSP and Connaught Place, RDIAS offers the perfect balance of convenience, visibility, and opportunity.

Delhi remains a magnet for management aspirants seeking a competitive career edge. With its vast corporate network, multicultural environment, and access to opportunities, the capital city offers a compelling ecosystem for pursuing an MBA. Students looking for good MB colleges in Delhi often prioritize institutes that balance academic excellence, industry exposure, and employability training. A quality MBA program today is no longer confined to classrooms; it extends into real-time learning, corporate collaborations, and personality development—all of which help shape future-ready professionals. Among the many institutions offering management education in Delhi, some colleges are redefining what it means to pursue an MBA in today’s fast-changing business landscape. These colleges provide a curriculum and an experience that sharpens strategic thinking and prepares students to step confidently into leadership roles. A good MBA program integrates simulations, live projects, case-based pedagogy, industry certifications, and even global exposure, ensuring the learning is grounded in reality and relevance.

Rukmini Devi Institute of Advanced Studies (RDIAS), affiliated with Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), is one such institution that delivers on these expectations. The MBA program at RDIAS is a two-year, full-time course available in two shifts—120 seats in the first shift and 60 in the second. What makes the experience unique at RDIAS is its blend of academic rigor with experiential learning. The program offers dual specializations, empowering students to tailor their learning journey based on evolving industry needs.The institute emphasizes practical, career-oriented development through initiatives such as Business Simulation Training, international exposure programs, and live corporate projects. Students are regularly involved in real-time problem-solving activities that simulate the pressure and complexity of business environments. In addition to technical know-how, RDIAS strongly emphasizes soft skills, leadership development, and personality grooming, crucial for standing out in competitive job markets.

Dussehra is celebrated with immense devotion and excitement across India. While cities like Kolkata, Mysore, and Cuttack are famous for their grand celebrations, Gujarat is known for its garba and dandiya nights, North Indians invite the Goddess into their homes through Jagrata and Kanjika bhojan and organise Ram Leela performances, there Panipat has preserved a unique tradition that turns the festival into a form of penance - the tradition of Hanuman Sabha.

What distinguishes Panipat from the rest of India is that instead of paying a tribute to a form of Shakti, the divine feminine of Hinduism or to Shri Ram’s victory over demon Ravan, Panipat celebrates the devotion and power of Lord Hanuman.

In Panipat, men dress up as Lord Hanuman, becoming Hanuman Swaroop during Dussehra. This transformation is not merely a performance but an act of devotion, one that requires immense mental and physical discipline. The journey to become Hanuman Swaroop involves a strict 41-day vow of celibacy, intense prayer, and dedication.

The Sacred Preparation

To embody Lord Hanuman is not as simple as wearing a costume. The devotees must purify their mind and body through strict adherence to ritual and customs. For 41 days, these men live away from their families, practising celibacy and staying in temples or rented homes. During this period, they avoid salted food, walk barefoot, sleep on the ground, and avoid touching or coming into contact with any woman. They commission Mukut (crown) of Lord Hanuman, which normally weighs 15-20 Kilos, bring it to their place of stay with great pomp and show and worship it four times a day. Some people follow this ritual for the entire 41 days, while some follow it for the last 11 days.

This practice is deeply spiritual and reflective of the devotees’ commitment to Brahmacharya (celibacy) and self-restraint. It’s believed that only by this purification can they truly embody the spirit of Hanuman.

Becoming Hanuman Swaroop

From Ashtami (the eighth day of Navratri), these devotees take on the full form of Hanuman. They tie ghungroos (ankle bells) to their feet, cover their bodies with sindoor (vermilion), and wear the imposing crown. This heavy adornment symbolises the weight of responsibility they now bear as they become living incarnations of Hanuman, blessing the people of Panipat.

For the next few days, they roam the streets, blessing people, dancing with elation while chanting "Jai Shree Ram" and "Jai Hanuman". Their presence fills the city with spiritual energy, and the chants of devotion and beats of drums echo through the streets all night long. Even children join in this tradition,becoming little adorable versions of Hanuman Swaroop, fondly called Banar Sena (army of apes that fought for Shri Ram).

The residents of Panipat invite the Hanuman Swaroop and their entourage to their homes. They do their aarti, offer bhog, take blessings and dance and celebrate with them.

A Tradition Rooted in History

This unique practice is said to have been brought to Panipat by the Laiyya community after Partition. For them, this tradition became a way to build identity and find solace in a time of displacement. Over the years, the practice has become synonymous with Panipat’s Dussehra, deeply embedded in the city’s cultural fabric.

Dussehra Beyond Hanuman Swaroop

The celebrations in Panipat don’t stop with Hanuman Swaroop. The city also hosts vibrant Ram Leela performances, reenacting the epic battle between Lord Ram and Ravan. On Dussehra day, effigies of Ravan, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran are set ablaze, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The air is thick with excitement and devotion, as people gather to witness these powerful moments.

Following the victory of Ram, the festival culminates in Bharat Milap, a celebration of the reunion between Ram and his brother Bharat, symbolising love, loyalty, and devotion. This heartwarming event brings the grand festivities to a close, leaving behind a message of unity and righteousness.

Panipat’s Hanuman Sabha reminds us of the power of tradition, devotion, and discipline in today's fast-paced world. The practice of becoming Hanuman Swaroop—a fusion of spiritual devotion and physical endurance—is a rare sight that preserves the essence of Dussehra in its purest form.

If you’ve ever had the chance to witness this unique Dussehra celebration, you’ll know it’s more than just a festival. It’s a reflection of faith, sacrifice, and the timeless connection between humans and their gods.

How do you celebrate Dussehra in your hometown? Let me know in the comments!

After spending two days inside, I decided to brave the cold and went for some winter shopping in Panipat Insar Bazar.

In Odisha, just a light sweater was enough to survive the cold. But after coming here, I realised how ill-equipped I was and hence, I went to the nearby market with my sister.

On the way, we saw Lord Ram's procession and people dancing and celebrating with it. We also received prasad; ladoo and moong ka halwa. In the market, we bought some winter essentials for me like sweaters, caps, socks, woollen clothes etc. After shopping, we hailed an e-rickshaw for return. Here, e-rickshaws are called 'metro'.

Avtar Mota* A book on Maratha wars briefly introduced me to an event in the 18th century and mentioned the migration of some Marathas to Jammu during Ahmed Shah Abdali’s invasion. The story goes like this: Ahmed Shah Abdali invaded India eight times between 1748 and 1767, following the collapse of the Mughal Empire. To maintain his huge army created by Nadir Shah for invasions, Ahmed Shah Abdali…