Denizens of Bhopal are all set to mark the victory of good over evil by burning Ravana effigy at more than 5,000 places in the city. This year people are planning to cheer the flames of Ravana, Meghnaad and Kumbhkaran in large number. Festival of Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday. Main Dussehra Maidan of city are set to burn 105 feet to 51 feet long effigy of demon king that cost Rs 40,000 (around). Artist involved in making Ravana effigy said that after COVID-19, people are purchasing or even booking their effigy in advance in large number. One can get these effigies at Banskhedi, MANIT road, Link Road 3, Link road 2, Shivaji Nagar, Karong, Bairagarh, Shivaji Nagar and other areas ranges from Rs 250 to Rs 8,000. Ravan Dahan event is being organised at large scale at more than 22 places in city.

 

Vanshkar, an artists who is involved in making Ravana effigy near Banskhedi for many years says, “My forefathers were also making Ravana effigy. Earlier, order was being received only for the Ravan Dahan programme at Dussehra Maidan. Now, people are demanding for small and medium sized Ravan to be burnt in colonies. These small sized effigy cost Rs 200 to 8,000. O P Sahu, artists selling effigy at BHEL Sports Complex says, “People order demon king effigy not only from Bhopal while other districts and state also book their order for attractive effigy. He charges Rs 5,000 to 40,000 for each effigy.” He further said that 95% effigies are ready for delivery and even at many places, effigies have been delivered and decked up.

 

Biggest effigy in city will be burnt at Kolar for 105-feet long demon king accompanied with 5 feet tall Meghnaad and Kumbhkaran. Bittan Market has set up 55 feet long effigy whole Minal Residency has set up 51 feet long Ravan. Other many places like Salaiya, Bairagarh, Barkheda, Ashoka Garden, etc have prepared to burn effigy ranges from 35 to 55 feet tall. There will be also cultural activities to be held before burning of effigies of demon king and his son Meghnaad and brother Kumbhkaran. A dance, drama based on different episodes of Ramayana will be also presented at Arera Colony, New Market, Bittan Market and other places.