Burning Of The Country’s Tallest Effigy Of Ravana In Panchkula

Dussehra, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, was celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm across India. The country’s tallest effigy of Ravana standing at 221 feet was set ablaze at the Shalimar Ground in Sector 5, Panchkula. Indians living abroad also watched the event live, connecting with their nation’s culture through social media. The organizers claimed an attendance of over 50,000 people.

Dussehra celebrations took place at approximately 150 locations across the Tricity. In Chandigarh’s Sector 46, a 106 foot tall effigy of Ravana was burned, while a 100 foot tall effigy was set on fire in Sector 79, Mohali. Effigies of Kumbhakarna and Meghnada were also consigned to the flames.

In Chandigarh, organizers led the public in taking a pledge to stay away from drugs and to work toward a drug-free Chandigarh. Additionally, emphasis was placed on using ‘green’ (eco-friendly) firecrackers to promote environmental awareness. An effigy representing the ‘demon’ of drug abuse was burned prior to the burning of the Ravana effigy.

Haryana Governor And Chandigarh Administrator Activate The Burning Via Remote Control

At the event held at Shalimar Ground in Panchkula, Haryana Governor Asim Kumar Ghosh (acting in his official capacity) initiated the burning of the Ravana effigy by pressing a remote control. Senior Sangh Pracharak Prem Ji Goyal served as the chief guest, and Haryanvi singer Tejpal entertained the crowd with his performances. In Sector 46, Chandigarh, the Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, activated the burning via remote control.

Enactment Of The Defeat Of Ravana Follows ‘Rath Yatra’ (Chariot Procession)

Before the burning of the Ravana effigy, artists from various Ramlila committees organized ‘Rath Yatras’ (chariot processions). These processions made their way through local markets before reaching the designated sites for the burning. A reenactment of the battle between Lord Shri Ram and Ravana took place, following a dramatic dialogue between the two. The event concluded with the slaying of Ravana by Lord Shri Ram, followed by the burning of the effigies. The entire atmosphere became imbued with devotion, resonating with chants of “Jai Shri Ram.”

‘Chandigarh Ratna’ Awarded To Two Individuals

At the Dussehra celebrations held in Sector 46, two distinguished individuals were honored with the ‘Chandigarh Ratna’ award. The recipients included Pradeep Singh Walia, Vice-Chancellor of Maharaja Agrasen University, and Sarban Singh, a Sub-Divisional Engineer in the Engineering Department.

Beyond honoring those who have made significant social contributions, the event also conveyed a message to the public: to shun evil and work toward building a positive society.

A Video Call To Canada: “Look, The World’s Largest Ravana!”

Before the effigies were set ablaze, there was a scramble among the crowd to take selfies with ‘Dashanan’ (Ravana) and capture images on their mobile phones. Many recorded videos to share on social media, while others used video calls to show Ravana to acquaintances living far away.

A young woman, who had arrived at Shalimar Ground with her family from Punjab, made a video call to her friend in Canada and exclaimed, “Look, the world’s largest Ravana!”

Visitors Arrive From Other States

People from Panchkula, Chandigarh, and Mohali, as well as from various other cities and states, gathered at Shalimar Ground. A large number of attendees ranging from children to the elderly arrived from states including Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Jammu. Hundreds of shops and food stalls were set up outside the venue.