By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The Ravana Dahan festival, a long-standing tradition on Vijayadashami, holds a special place at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, the capital city of Bihar. This iconic event, now in its 69th year, attracts visitors not only from Patna but also from various parts of Bihar. This year, special preparations are underway, with artisans from different communities in Patna and Gaya crafting the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran, and Meghnad.
Dussehra Committee Chairman Kamal Nopani stated that this year’s Ravana Dahan at Gandhi Maidan marks the 69th anniversary of the event. The heights of the effigies have been increased by 10 feet compared to last year. The Ravana effigy will stand at 80 feet, Kumbhakaran at 75 feet, and Meghnad at 70 feet.
On Saturday, 12 October, Dussehra festivities will commence at 3:00 pm when the Ramlila team departs from Nagababa Thakurbari for Gandhi Maidan. The Ramlila, being performed at Thakurbari, will reach Gandhi Maidan by 4:15 pm, where Hanuman will proceed to Ashok Vatika to create havoc.
Kamal Nopani also mentioned that this year’s depiction of the golden Lanka will be two-storeyed. Before setting the golden Lanka ablaze, Hanuman will circle Gandhi Maidan three times, accompanied by the entire monkey army. The Ravana Dahan programme will continue until 6:30 pm. The recreations of Ashok Vatika and the golden Lanka are being set up in Gandhi Maidan, and all three effigies, including Ravana’s, will be erected by 11 October.
This year, the event will feature eco-friendly crackers and a spectacular display of colourful fireworks to light up the sky. Security measures have been arranged in collaboration with the district administration. A security perimeter will be established with barricades to keep attendees outside the designated area for safety. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar have also been invited to attend the programme.
