80-Foot Ravana to Be Burned in Patna’s Gandhi Maidan on Vijayadashami

Chirag Gupta

Patna: Preparations for Dussehra have commenced in Patna, with the grand Ravana Dahan program to be held at Gandhi Maidan. According to Arun Kumar, the president of the Dussehra Committee Trust, this year Ravana will be dressed in a unique combination of Rajasthani and Maithili attire. The effigy’s height will be 80 feet, 10 feet taller than last year’s 70-foot figure. Alongside Ravana, 75-foot Kumbhakaran and 70-foot Meghnad effigies are also being constructed for the event, scheduled for October 12.

Despite concerns over the weather, organizers have assured that Ravana’s effigy will burn even if it rains. Special arrangements have been made, including thin polythene covers to protect the structures from rain. Fireworks will accompany the burning, adding to the visual spectacle. This year’s effigy has been made with extra care, featuring new designs and a “smart” Ravana.

Ahead of the burning, a Ramlila will be performed at Thakurbari in Patna. Thirty artists from Vrindavan will be performing, and the Ramlila will continue for 11 days.

On Vijayadashami, at 2 pm, Lord Ram, accompanied by his monkey army, will depart for Lanka Vijay. Alongside Ram will be Laxman, Sita, and Hanuman. The procession will pass through different routes in Patna, finally reaching Gandhi Maidan, where the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran, and Meghnad will be set aflame.