Patna: The 71st Ravan Vadh ceremony at Gandhi Maidan will introduce several changes this Dussehra, including a Ramlila performance by artists from Delhi and larger effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhakarna.
The Shri Dussehra Committee Trust is organising the ceremony. Ravana’s effigy will stand 80 feet tall, while Meghnath and Kumbhakarna will be 75 feet and 70 feet respectively.
Agra Team To Build Effigies
According to trust chairman Kamal Nopani, the Agra-based Asgar Ali & Sons will construct all three effigies. Asgar Ali, his son Imran Faruqui, Sohail Khan and their team are expected to begin work at Gandhi Maidan around October 3 or 4.
The trust said all three effigies will be made waterproof. Ravana’s height has been increased by five feet from last year to improve visibility across the large Gandhi Maidan grounds.
Fireworks And Remote-Controlled Effects
This year’s Ravan Vadh ceremony will include special fireworks and sound effects. A rotating canopy-like structure will be installed above Ravana’s head, while a rotating wheel mechanism will be incorporated around the navel.
The effigy will also feature visual effects during the burning ceremony, including flames from the eyes, embers from the mouth and coloured smoke from the ears. The organisers are preparing to operate the effects through remote control.
Ravana’s Lanka To Have Two Floors
The organisers also plan to give Ravana’s Lanka a new design. The palace structure will have two floors and will be finished with a gold-like appearance.
Ravana’s costume will also be designed in a regal style as part of the presentation.
Delhi Artists To Stage Ramlila
For the first time at Gandhi Maidan, a Delhi-based troupe will perform the Ramlila. A 35-member team led by Yash Chauhan of New Delhi’s Sanskriti Kala Sangam will stage the performances.
In previous years, artists from Buxar and Vrindavan performed the Ramlila at Gandhi Maidan.
Performances From October 11 To 19
According to the trust, Ramlila performances will be held from 4pm to 6pm between October 11 and 14. From October 15 to 19, the performances will run from 6pm to 9pm.
The main Ravan Vadh ceremony will subsequently be held on Vijayadashami.
Ceremony Estimated To Cost Rs 15 Lakh
The Shri Dussehra Committee Trust has estimated expenditure of around Rs 15 lakh for this year’s Ravan Vadh ceremony.
The programme will combine large effigies, fireworks, sound effects and technology as part of the Dussehra celebrations at Gandhi Maidan.
