Delhi’s Dussehra celebrations will feature technology-led Ravana effigies, choreographed fire effects and recorded messages on pollution, traffic congestion and other civic concerns at several Ramlila grounds on Tuesday, according to organisers cited by the Times of India.
At Luv Kush Ramlila, the 110-foot Ravana will be accompanied by a 100-foot Kumbhakarna and a 90-foot Meghnad. Organisers said the effigy’s eyes will roll and appear to emit fire, while 11 garlands in different colours will light up sequentially. The sword in Ravana’s hand will also whirl before the effigy is set alight.
The arrow will strike Ravana’s navel, followed by an effect showing nectar flowing out, recreating a moment from the battle between Rama and Ravana. Before the burning, a recorded voice in Ravana’s character will ask spectators to confront pollution and traffic congestion, linking the two problems to ill health, wasted fuel and economic losses. The message will urge residents to reduce pollution and congestion before the character says “Hey Ram, hey Ram”, committee president Arjun Kumar said.
At the Shree Dharmic Leela Committee venue, the final sequence will focus on Ravana’s neck and garland. Committee secretary Pradeep Sharan said that after the arrow strikes the navel, sections of the garland will appear to separate into individual beads as the paper burns away.
The Nav Shri Dharmik Leela Committee will use blinking eyes and flowing tears during the final moments. Publicity secretary Rahul Sharma said the garland on the 110-foot Ravana would light up before the effigy is burned alongside a 100-foot Kumbhakarna and a 105-foot Meghnad. Green crackers are also planned at the venue.
At IP Extension, organisers said Ravana’s face would move and flames would emerge from his eyes. Committee president Suresh Bindal said preparations were being conducted under the directions of the Prime Minister’s protocol officers and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was expected to perform the dahan. The committee has also continued its practice of burning a fourth effigy representing a contemporary social problem. This year, it will represent counterfeit medicines and inflated maximum retail prices, Bindal said.
Other celebrations are planned across the capital. In Janakpuri, Dharmik Evam Samajik Mahasangh will hold Vijayadashami celebrations at Dussehra Ground in B Block, while Om Sai Club will organise a light-and-sound show and cultural performances at Sai Baba Mandir in A5A. The programme will be followed by “Ramlila-The Eternal Saga” by Aasma Dance Company.
Dwarka Shri Ramlila Society will hold its 15th Ramlila in Sector 10, where organisers said a 221-foot Ravana would be the main attraction. Chairman and chief patron Akash Rajesh Gehlot said the event would present Ravana dahan as a pledge to overcome arrogance, injustice and evil. Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan was expected to attend one of the celebrations, while organisers at another venue said Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were expected to be present.
