Bihar’s Iconic Raavan Dahan: 80-Foot Effigy and Pollution-Free Fireworks to Light Up Gandhi Maidan
Patna: This year’s Raavan Dahan at Patna’s iconic Gandhi Maidan promises to be a visual spectacle, with the effigy of Raavan crafted in a distinct Bihari style featuring a blend of Maithili and Rajasthani influences. Standing at an imposing height of 80 feet—10 feet taller than last year—this year’s Raavan will be accompanied by 45 minutes of continuous, eco-friendly fireworks to reduce pollution. Notably, ammonium-free fireworks will be used, ensuring a more environmentally conscious celebration.
A team of 12 skilled artisans has been working on the effigies for over a month. Artist Amar, one of the lead artisans, confirmed that alongside Raavan, effigies of Kumbhakarna and Meghnad, standing at 70 and 75 feet respectively, are also nearing completion, with 95% of the work already done. Additionally, elaborate recreations of Ashok Vatika and Lanka Nagari are being constructed to add to the festive experience.
Given the unpredictability of weather, special precautions have been taken to ensure that the effigies remain intact even in strong winds. The structures have been reinforced with ropes and cemented pillars at Gandhi Maidan to prevent any damage. To enhance the viewing experience, faces are being applied on both the front and back of the effigies so that spectators can appreciate the details from all angles.
Shri Dussehra Committee Trust Chairman Arun Kumar shared that bamboo, cloth, hardboard, and plastic paint are being used to construct the effigies. Bamboo has been sourced from Bihar and jute from Kolkata. The construction of the three massive effigies has cost approximately ₹12 lakh. For added visual effect, 350 bombs and chakri bombs have been embedded within the effigies, with two sets of sky shots containing 240 shots, as well as two mat bombs featuring 10,000 crackers. Raavan’s effigy alone contains 125 bombs, with 75 bombs each in Meghnad, Kumbhakarna, and Ashok Vatika, making for a grand spectacle.
This year’s Ravana Dahan event has seen a total expenditure of ₹25 lakh, including protective measures to safeguard the effigies from rain, such as covering them with thin polythene sheets.
The event, scheduled to begin at 5 PM, will be graced by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, and Bihar Assembly Speaker Nandkishore Yadav, along with other dignitaries. Strict security measures have been put in place, with surveillance through CCTV cameras and drones to keep an eye on anti-social elements and ensure the safety of attendees.
As Gandhi Maidan gears up for this annual celebration, thousands of people are expected to gather for an evening of tradition, culture, and fireworks in a festive atmosphere.
