Patna : Lakhs of people gathered at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Vijayadashami to witness the traditional burning of giant effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad. The celebration featured special fire effects, colourful smoke, light-and-sound displays and chants of “Jai Shri Ram”.
Organised by the Shri Dussehra Committee, the event was inaugurated by Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and other dignitaries.
The ceremony marked the traditional celebration of the victory of good over evil, with the three effigies set alight following the symbolic firing of arrows.
Three Giant Effigies Burn At Gandhi Maidan
The ceremony reached its main moment when the dignitaries on stage performed the traditional ritual by shooting symbolic arrows towards the effigies.
The 90-foot Ravan effigy, along with the 85-foot Kumbhakarna and 80-foot Meghnad effigies, caught fire as the crowd watched.
The burning effigies illuminated the ground, while chants of “Jai Shri Ram” echoed across Gandhi Maidan. Spectators applauded and recorded the celebration on their mobile phones.
Fire Effects And Sound Displays Draw Crowds
This year’s Ravan Dahan featured elaborate visual and sound effects designed to make the effigy-burning ceremony more engaging for spectators.
Sparks appeared to emerge from Ravan’s eyes, while flames rose from its mouth. Coloured smoke released from the effigy’s ears and shoulders added to the spectacle.
A specially arranged light-and-sound display, including a roaring sound associated with Ravan, further enhanced the presentation.
Members dressed as part of the Vanar Sena continued chanting “Jai Shri Ram” as the effigies burned, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Gandhi Maidan Lights Up With Mobile Flashlights
The celebration drew people from across Patna and nearby areas, including families with children and elderly visitors.
As the effigies burned, many spectators switched on their mobile phone flashlights, creating a display of lights across the ground.
The crowd responded with applause and devotional chants, while people used their phones to capture the moment.
The annual event remains a major public gathering during Dussehra in the state capital.
More Than 100 CCTV Cameras Deployed
With a large crowd expected, the administration made extensive security and crowd-management arrangements at Gandhi Maidan.
More than 100 CCTV cameras were installed around the ground to monitor movement and help security personnel keep track of crowd activity.
Security arrangements were given particular attention because of the scale of the gathering. The monitoring system was intended to support crowd management and help officials respond to any situation during the event.
Vijayadashami Celebrates The Victory Of Good Over Evil
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is traditionally associated with the victory of good over evil. The burning of Ravan’s effigy is a prominent part of celebrations in many Indian cities.
At Gandhi Maidan, the ritual brought together religious tradition, public participation and elaborate visual effects. The burning of the three effigies, accompanied by fireworks, colourful smoke and chants, marked the culmination of Patna’s Dussehra celebration on October 20.
