70-Foot Giant: BLW Varanasi Gears Up for Massive Ravan Dahan
Banaras Locomotive Works in Varanasi prepares for a massive Vijayadashami celebration with a 70-foot Ravan effigy and thousands of visitors.
The spiritual heart of India is preparing for a spectacular display of tradition and triumph. Preparations are currently in full swing at the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) grounds in Varanasi for the upcoming grand Vijayadashami celebrations, headlined by a towering 70-foot-tall eco-friendly Ravan effigy.
A Tradition Older Than the Factory
The burning of the effigy, known as Ravan Dahan, is not just a modern event but a deeply rooted legacy. According to Rajesh Singh, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Banaras Locomotive Works, this tradition actually predates the very establishment of the BLW. To ensure the customs are upheld with grandeur, the employees and officers of the facility have formed a dedicated 'Vijay Samiti'.
The event is scheduled to take place on October 20th on the grounds of the cinema hall, continuing a long-standing practice that brings the community together to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
The Scale of the Spectacle
This year's celebration is defined by the sheer scale of the effigies being constructed. The 'Vijay Samiti' has ensured that the trio of villains from the Ramayana are represented in imposing sizes:
- Ravan: A massive 70 feet tall.
- Kumbhakarna: Standing at 65 feet.
- Meghnath: Reaching a height of 60 feet.
Given its reputation as one of the most significant events in the Purvanchal region, the fair is expected to draw a massive crowd. While exact numbers are difficult to pin down, officials estimate a turnout of approximately 60,000 to 70,000 people.
The Significance of Vijayadashami
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri festival. It commemorates the day Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravan, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of righteousness over wickedness. This belief has fueled the popular Indian tradition of constructing and burning effigies of Ravan, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran across the country.
Echoes of Celebration in Raipur
While Varanasi prepares its giants, the spirit of Ravan Dahan is echoing in other parts of India. In Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, artisans are experiencing a surge in demand. Roadside workshops are bustling as craftsmen work around the clock, shaping bamboo frames and stuffing them with firecrackers.
Vikram Netam, a third-generation effigy maker whose family has been in the business for 50 years, noted that orders from residential colonies and Ramlila committees have spiked. He shared that while they can build temporary structures up to 30 feet, a 28-foot Ravan typically costs between Rs 30,000 and Rs 32,000, with prices scaling upward as the height increases.