At 121 feet, Ludhiana’s tallest Ravana effigy goes up in flames at Daresi

Dasehra, the festival symbolising the triumph of good over evil, was celebrated with enthusiasm across the city on Thursday.

The tallest Ravana effigy of the city, measuring 121 feet, was erected at Daresi ground along with effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhakarna with the help of a crane around 4 pm. Though the effigies were burnt around 5:45 pm, the crowd had started gathering at the place from 3 pm to watch the celebrations without any hindrance.

As the day was a holiday in government offices and many private establishments on account of Dasehra and Gandhi Jayanti, residents thronged various venues, including Daresi ground, Upkar Nagar, near Vardhman Chowk, Aggar Nagar, Hambran Road and Sarabha Nagar, to witness the Dasehra celebrations with their families and friends.

At Daresi, the Ravana’s effigy was burnt using a remote-control ignition system. Flames came out dramatically from the effigys’ sword, belt, eyes and mouth as firecrackers exploded, drawing loud cheers and claps from the crowd.

Similar scenes were witnessed at other venues where effigies were set ablaze between 5:45 pm and 6:15 pm.

One of the artisans, Amir, expressed satisfaction over the successful event at Daresi. “We have been camping here for two months, working on these effigies as we do every year. When people appreciate our efforts and we earn well, we feel our hard work is worth the same,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Bengali community marked the occasion with traditional fervour. Several cultural and religious programmes were organised, culminating in Vijaydashami rituals. Married women participated in the joyous ‘Sindoor Khela,’ smearing vermillion on each other before the community bid an emotional farewell to Goddess Durga through idol immersion ceremonies. The celebrations continued late in the evening.

Traffic diversions

In view of the heavy footfall at Daresi ground, the traffic police diverted routes to prevent jams.

Four-wheelers were barred from entering roads leading to Daresi and the city centre between 1 pm and 8 pm. Vehicle parking was arranged at three designated spots near Daresi — close to Kapoor Hospital, the multi-storey building and near the MC’s Zone A.