- Ravana effigies ready to go up in flames
Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal
The capital city of Madhya Pradesh, is all set to celebrate Dussehra with great enthusiasm and grandeur, marking the victory of good over evil. This annual event, celebrated with fervor across India, culminates with the burning of Ravana effigies, symbolizing the defeat of the demon king by Lord Rama. In Bhopal, the tradition continues in full force, as preparations reach their final stage.
Massive effigies will be torched
Across Bhopal, artisans have been working tirelessly to craft effigies of Ravana, along with those of his kin, Meghnath and Kumbhakaran, which will be ceremoniously set ablaze at hundreds of locations. The city boasts several popular venues for this spectacle, including Chhola, BHEL, Bittan Market, and Kolar’s Banjari area, where massive effigies will go up in flames amid cheering crowds and colorful fireworks.
The effigies, representing the ultimate victory of good over evil, come in various sizes, with artists spotted in different parts of the city, including Banskhedi and Arjun Nagar, putting final touches on their creations. These larger-than-life figures are meticulously crafted, and their vibrant costumes, combined with firecrackers placed inside, will make for a dazzling visual when they burn on Dussehra day.
According to local artisans from Banskhedi, the number of locations where Ravana effigies are burned has been steadily increasing each year. The demand for these effigies has risen so much that apart from public spaces like the Dussehra grounds, we now see smaller effigies being burned in colonies and residential societies, they said.
Artisans in full swing
The city has transformed into a bustling hub of activity, with over 100 artisans working on crafting these symbolic effigies. Locations like Tulsi Nagar, Second Stop, Banskhedi, and Panchsheel Nagar have been prominent centers where effigy-making is taking place. These skilled artisans are producing over 5,000 effigies, ranging in height from 6 feet to 40 feet.
The cost of these effigies also varies based on size, ranging from Rs 600 for smaller ones to Rs 40,000 for the grand 40-foot-tall figures. The inclusion of fireworks inside the effigies adds to the expense, but they enhance the visual drama when Ravana and his associates are consumed by fire.
Widespread celebrations
This year, Bhopal will witness Ravana effigies being burned at more than 2,000 locations. While the smaller effigies will be torched at local neighborhood gatherings, larger, more elaborate ones will be set alight at key venues such as the Dussehra grounds, attracting sizable crowds. These grand events, held at prominent locations, are expected to be a visual treat for the thousands of attendees who will flock to witness the fiery spectacle.
The Dussehra celebrations aren’t just confined to Bhopal. Across Madhya Pradesh, effigies will be burned, with large crowds gathering to celebrate the occasion. Families in Bhopal have been making plans to attend these events, with children eagerly awaiting the chance to witness the towering figures of Ravana being engulfed in flames, along with the accompanying fireworks.
Cultural festivities
The celebratory atmosphere in Bhopal is palpable. Vendors have set up stalls selling sweets, toys, and festival-related items, adding to the festive spirit. On Friday morning, the traditional Bhandara took place at various locations where Durga pandals were set up during Navratri.
In anticipation of the festival, the district administration had declared a local holiday on Friday, Durga Navmi, giving residents a long weekend to immerse themselves fully in the Dussehra festivities. This three-day break allows the public, including government employees, to enjoy the Navratri culmination and Dussehra in a relaxed and celebratory manner.
Security and Safety Measures
Given the scale of the celebrations, authorities have put strict safety measures in place. Fire safety protocols are being implemented at major venues where large effigies will be burned. Police personnel will be deployed to manage crowd control and traffic, while fire brigades will be on standby to respond to emergencies if necessary.
As the final preparations for Dussehra come to a close, Bhopal is ready for a grand celebration. The efforts of artisans, who have spent weeks crafting effigies, will culminate in a fiery display of symbolism, much to the delight of the thousands expected to gather for the event.
With excitement in the air and the city buzzing with energy, Bhopal is all set to mark yet another memorable Dussehra, celebrating the triumph of good over evil in vibrant style.
