Dehradun's 181-Foot Giant: Parade Ground Ready for Massive Ravana Dahan
Dehradun's Parade Ground prepares for a massive 181-foot Ravana effigy burning ceremony featuring CM Pushkar Singh Dhami.
The city of Dehradun is buzzing with anticipation as the Parade Ground transforms into the stage for one of the most awaited events of the year. The annual Dussehra celebrations are set to reach a crescendo with the burning of a towering 181-foot-tall effigy of Ravana, a spectacle that promises to draw thousands of devotees and spectators to witness the victory of good over evil.
A Colossal Feat of Art and Engineering
This year's celebration, organized by the Bannu Biradari Dussehra Committee, is not just about tradition but also about scale. While Ravana takes center stage at 181 feet, he is accompanied by the equally imposing figures of his brother Kumbhkaran and son Meghnad, both standing at 70 feet tall.
These massive structures are the result of meticulous craftsmanship by Tejjinder Singh Chauhan and his specialized team from Haryana. After being constructed and transported to the venue, the effigies have been rigged with ten internal explosive devices. These devices are designed for a precise, remote-controlled burning sequence that ensures a dramatic and synchronized collapse.
The Grand Procession and Event Logistics
The festivities will not be limited to the Parade Ground alone. A grand procession is scheduled to wind through the heart of the city, starting from Kalika Marg. The parade will traverse the bustling lanes of Paltan Bazar and pass through the iconic Ghantaghar before finally arriving at the Parade Ground.
To manage the expected massive crowds, the committee has implemented strict security measures. Entry to the venue will be streamlined through three designated gates to ensure the safety and smooth movement of the public. The entire scale of the celebration, from the construction of the effigies to the event management, is estimated to cost approximately 21 lakh rupees.
Chief Minister to Lead the Ceremony
Adding to the prestige of the event, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is scheduled to attend the ceremony at 5:00 PM. The Chief Minister will preside over the festivities and will be the one to remotely trigger the Ravana Dahan and Lanka Dahan processes.
The event marks the culmination of a spiritually active day for the Chief Minister, who began his morning with prayers at the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple and the Vaishno Devi Gufa Yoga Temple. Additionally, he spent part of his day engaged in discussions regarding the state's film policy before heading to the festivities.
"The preparations are complete, and we expect thousands of people to join us in this celebration," stated Santokh Nagpal, president of the Dussehra Committee.