Sambhal Glows as Massive Ravana Effigies Burn at Kurukshetra Ground
Thousands gather at Kurukshetra ground in Sambhal for Vijaya Dashami, featuring 50-year-old traditions and massive effigies.
The city of Sambhal, revered as the abode of Kalki, erupted in celebration on October 20, 2026, as thousands of devotees gathered at the Kurukshetra ground to mark the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami. The air was filled with devotion and excitement as the community came together to witness the symbolic victory of good over evil during the annual Sambhal Dussehra celebrations.
The Moment of Triumph: Agnivana Strikes
The highlight of the evening was the dramatic enactment of the Ramayana. In a moment of high tension and cheers, an actor portraying Lord Ram unleashed the 'Agnivana' (fire arrow), striking the towering effigies of Ravana and Meghnad. The impact ignited the structures, sending plumes of fire and sparks into the night sky, symbolizing the destruction of ego and evil.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
The spectacle was made possible by a remarkable tradition spanning five decades. The effigies—a staggering 40-foot-high Ravana and a 30-foot-high Meghnad—were meticulously crafted by the family of Mohammed Asif from Chaman Sarai. For 50 years, this family has played a pivotal role in the city's festivities, ensuring the tradition of effigy-making continues with precision and grandeur.
Festivities and Faith Across the City
Organized by the Shri Ramlila Committee, the event reached its crescendo with a dazzling display of fireworks and resounding chants of 'Jai Shri Ram' that echoed throughout the venue.
The celebrations extended far beyond the central ground:
- The Grand Fair: A massive fair transformed the landscape, with over 1,500 shops lining the route from Kurukshetra ground to Chandosi Road, offering everything from sweets to toys.
- Weapon Worship: Members of the local Punjabi community observed their traditional customs by performing the worship of weapons.
- Spiritual Offerings: Devotees flocked to the ancient Vijay Teerth site to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Tight Security and Strategic Management
To ensure the safety of the massive crowds, the district administration implemented a rigorous security plan. Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) units were stationed at 35 different locations across the district where effigies were being burned.
The Superintendent of Police and other local officials monitored the situation in real-time, utilizing a combination of CCTV cameras and drone surveillance to manage the flow of people and prevent any untoward incidents.
Traffic and Logistics
To prevent congestion, authorities enacted several traffic diversions. Heavy vehicles coming from Chandosi were rerouted, and all vehicle access to the Kurukshetra ground was strictly restricted starting from noon, ensuring a pedestrian-friendly environment for the thousands of attendees.