PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The president of the Bannu Biradari Dussehra committee, Santokh Singh Nagpal informed that a 121-feet effigy of Ravan will be set ablaze at the Parade Ground on October 2. He made this statement during a media briefing on Tuesday.
Nagpal stated that all necessary preparations have been finalised to ensure the success of the Dussehra celebration. This year, effigies of Ravan (121 feet), Meghnad (70 feet) and Kumbhkaran (75 feet) will be burned at the designated location. He also said that Asia’s largest Lanka, measuring 45 by 45 feet, is being constructed this year. Further, they have extended invitations to chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and governor lieutenant General (retd) Gurmit Singh, who will be part of the programme. The effigy burning is scheduled to begin at 5 PM, starting with Lanka Dahan, followed by burning effigies of Kumbhkaran, Meghnad and finally Ravan. Nagpal further informed that this year new initiatives have been taken in an aim to attract more visitors, including enhanced lighting and a designated selfie point.
He further stated that this year, they have not faced any issues in organising the Dussehra celebration. Unlike in past years when the Parade Ground was part of the smart city initiative, it is now under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) and with the support of the mayor, the organisation has been made much easier. He also promised that after the event concludes, the committee will ensure the Parade Ground is thoroughly cleaned the next morning.
Nagpal said that the Shobha Yatra will also take place on October 2 at 2 PM. The procession will start from there and proceed through Kalika Bhawan, Ansari Marg, Paltan Bazaar, Clock Tower and Astley Hall Gandhi Park before reaching the Parade Ground, where the effigy burning will occur. Additionally, the Bharat Milap programme is scheduled for the following day on October 3 at 4PM at the Parade Ground, he said.
Notably, two teams have been commissioned to create the effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad this year. One team is from Delhi, while the other is from Agra
