Patna: Patna is set to witness the annual burning of Ravana’s effigy at Gandhi Maidan on Thursday, with authorities announcing extensive traffic restrictions, security deployment and emergency arrangements to manage the large crowds expected.
An 80-foot effigy of Ravana, accompanied by 75-foot and 70-foot figures of Meghnad and Kumbhakarna, will go up in flames this evening. The effigies, built by 15 artisans from Agra in a mix of Rajasthani and South Indian styles, have been reinforced with iron pipes for stability. Chief minister Nitish Kumar and governor Rajendra Arlekar are expected to attend the event.
Committee chairman Kamal Nopani said this year’s Dussehra budget of Rs 35 lakh includes Rs 5 lakh worth of eco-friendly fireworks designed to reduce pollution. The effigies will be ignited remotely, with effects such as sparks from Ravana’s eyes and coloured smoke from his ears and shoulders.
Traffic restrictions and diversions
Patna traffic police have issued a detailed diversion plan effective from 11am until the dispersal of crowds. No vehicles or pushcarts will be permitted inside Gandhi Maidan, and several adjoining routes—including those from Bhattacharya Chowk, SP Verma Road, Ramgulam Chowk and Thakur Bari Mor—will remain closed. Only VVIP movement will be allowed on the stretch from Dak Bungalow Chowk to JP Golambar.
General traffic from Patna City, Danapur and the station area will be diverted via alternative routes, while parking and stalls have been prohibited on major connecting roads such as Exhibition Road and Ashok Rajpath.
Security and medical arrangements
The district administration has deployed 103 judicial and police officers across 49 locations. Surveillance will be carried out through 128 CCTV cameras, 10 watchtowers and an integrated command centre. Three quick response teams and SDRF personnel will remain on standby.
Hospitals including PMCH, NMCH and IGIMS, along with nearby private hospitals such as Tara and Ruban, have been placed on alert. Nine ambulances and medical teams will be stationed at Gandhi Maidan gates, while dedicated routes have been reserved for emergency vehicles.
Authorities have also appealed to parents to write contact details and addresses on slips of paper for children attending the event, to aid in reunions if they get separated. Organisers of idol immersion processions have been urged not to obstruct traffic after the ceremony.
The public will be able to enter Gandhi Maidan through seven designated gates, while media access will be through gate 13. Lighting has been bolstered with more than 300 LED and high-mast lights to ensure safety.
