Tallest Ravan effigy, star-studded Dasehra festivities light up Delhi

Delhi buzzed with vibrant energy as the Capital celebrated Dasehra with tremendous enthusiasm. This year’s festivities featured a seamless fusion of politics, culture and entertainment, attracting crowds from all corners of society.

Chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ echoed through the streets, creating an atmosphere of unity and devotion. On Vijayadashmi, artistes performing in Ramlila paraded through the city, highlighting the rich cultural heritage that defines this significant festival.

A central highlight of the celebrations was the presence of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who attended a major event organised by the Shri Dharmic Leela Committee at Madhav Das Park. They participated in the traditional Ravan Dahan, where they held bows and arrows while watching the symbolic burning of effigies of Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna.

Before the event, the President and the PM applied ‘tilak’ on the foreheads of the artistes portraying Lord Rama and Lakshman. PM Modi shared on X, “Our Capital is known for its wonderful Ramlila traditions. They are vibrant celebrations of faith, culture and traditions.”

The celebrations were not limited to the ruling party; prominent Opposition figures also made their presence felt. Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi attended the Nav Shri Dharmik Leela Committee’s event at Red Fort, where Sonia applied ‘tilak’ to the artistes, and they both took part in the Ravan Dahan with bows and arrows in their hands.

Chief Minister Atishi attended the Ravan Dahan at IP Extension, while former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal celebrated Dasehra at Chirag. AAP leader Manish Sisodia joined the Ramlila at Ramlila Maidan, Patparganj. During the celebrations, Kejriwal stated, “Taking inspiration from the concept of ‘Ram Rajya’, we try to run our government in Delhi. Every child in Delhi, whether rich or poor, should get good education.”

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, along with Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra and other leaders, participated in various Vijayadashmi celebrations organised by different Shri Ramlila Committees across the city.

The festivities were further elevated by the presence of Bollywood actors, who added a glamorous touch to the traditional celebrations. The cast of the upcoming film Singham Again, featuring actors Ajay Devgn and Kareena Kapoor Khan, participated in the Ravan Dahan at the Luv Kush Ramlila at Red Fort. Their attendance coincided with the film’s modern take on the Ramayana.

Arjun Kumar, president of the Luv Kush Ramlila Committee, noted, “Every year, film stars attend the event here. Our aim is to inspire and connect the youths with Ramayana.”

Given the high-profile nature of the event, the Delhi Police beefed up security measures around the Red Fort. DCP North Raja Banthia said, “We made all necessary arrangements. Cameras were installed and we made arrangements to control crowd. Eight to ten companies of the local police and 11 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed.”

Among the standout features of this year’s celebrations was a stunning 211-foot effigy of Ravan erected in Dwarka Sector 10, now recognised as the tallest in India. Crafted over nearly four months by more than 40 artisans, this eco-friendly structure was completed at a cost of Rs 30 lakh. The effigy was ignited using an innovative remote-controlled firework system from China.