In Chandigarh, tallest effigy at Sector 46 Dasehra site

Preparations are in full swing for grand Dasehra celebrations on October 2. The city is set to witness the burning of its tallest Ravana effigy — a towering 101-ft structure — erected at Sector 46 by the Shri Sanatan Dharma Dasehra Committee, along with 95-ft Meghnad and 90-ft Kumbhakarna effigies.

Committee chairman Jatinder Bhatia said the celebrations will feature several unique elements. “The Ravana effigy has been designed with a rotating neck and face, riding on a chariot. The ‘Amrit Kund’ stream emanating from his navel and the remote-lighting of the three effigies from the stage will be key highlights,” he added.

Apart from the burning of a dazzling “Sone ki Lanka”, eco-friendly aerial fireworks have been planned. The effigies were prepared by nearly 10-12 Muslim artisans having 28 years of experience.

Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria will be the chief guest at the event tomorrow, while Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav and UT Chief Engineer CB Ojha will attend as special guests. Several prominent figures, including educationists, engineers and doctors, will be guests of honour. This year, Dr Sandeep Bansal, ENT specialist, PGIMER, and Monika Sharma, Principal, PMLSD Public School, Sector 32, will be honoured with the ‘Chandigarh Ratna’ award for their contributions to society.

Bhatia said the celebrations, which attract nearly one lakh visitors from Chandigarh and neighbouring towns every year, had been a tradition for 27 years.

This year, Ravana ‘dahan’ will take place at 75 locations across the city.