211-ft tall Ravana effigy at Dwarka tallest in country

As the Dasehra festival approaches, the National Capital is witnessing Ravana effigies in varying sizes and shapes being crafted across the city. From small 2-foot models to a towering 211-foot colossus, Delhi is ready for the celebration of good triumphing over evil, a tradition commemorating Lord Ram’s victory over Ravana.

This year’s most talked-about effigy is being erected by the Sri Ram Lila Society in Dwarka’s Sector 10 which took almost four months to be crafted. Standing at an astounding 211 feet, it is said to be the tallest Ravana effigy in the country. The Sri Ram Lila Society, which held auditions of over 400 artistes from Delhi-NCR, has selected fresh talent to bring this year’s Ramlila to life. “We always strive to present the Ramleela in the most beautiful way possible, paying close attention to both the decorations and the performances,” said committee chairman Rajesh Gehlot Gehlot. The theme of this year’s celebration takes inspiration from the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, with the entry gates resembling South Indian temple structures known as ‘Gopuram’.

In the Tatarpur area near Tagore Garden, the streets are lined with the effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran. Vendors are selling effigies as small as two feet.

One of these effigy makers, Gopi Solanki, has been in the business for two years. Solanki said, “This is just a side business for me. But we start making effigies four to five months before the festival. A four-foot effigy costs about Rs 220-240, and we make 250-300 effigies.”

Smaller effigies are popular in residential areas, but it’s the massive Dwarka effigy that has captured the most attention. Last year, PM Modi set fire to the Ravana’s effigy at the same location. The Dwarka Sri Ram Leela Society has again extended an invitation to the PM and several BJP leaders.