Preparations for Dussehra are in full swing across Delhi-NCR, with towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad ready for the traditional Ravana Dahan celebrations on Tuesday. From the Red Fort grounds in Delhi to Ramlila venues in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad, several locations are preparing to draw large crowds for the annual spectacle marking the victory of good over evil.
This year, some celebrations have additional attractions, including a 30-foot-tall cockroach effigy in Delhi and a 221-foot-tall Ravana effigy in Dwarka. The events will also feature prominent political figures, elaborate Ramlila productions and security arrangements to manage the expected crowds.
President Droupadi Murmu is attending the Dussehra celebrations at the Shri Ram Leela Committee grounds in Dwarka Sector 10, where the giant Ravana effigy is the main attraction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to attend the celebrations organised by the Shri Ramlila Committee Indraprastha in IP Extension, East Delhi.
Delhi: 30-Foot Cockroach Effigy And Giant Ravana Attract Attention
One of the unusual attractions this year is a 30-foot-tall cockroach effigy that the Shri Keshav Ramlila Committee will burn alongside the traditional effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad at the Netaji Subhash Place (NSP) ground in Pitampura.
The decision comes against the backdrop of the Cockroach Janata Party's protests in the national capital, first against ex-education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and now for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
On the other hand, the Shri Ramlila Committee Indraprastha in IP Extension hosted the Dussehra event, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the event. Here, Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad we set ablaze along with some visual representations of those indulging in black marketing of spurious medicines.
The historic Luv Kush Ramlila at the Red Fort grounds has made a 110-foot-high effigy of Ravana, a 100-foot-high effigy of Kumbhakarna and a 90-foot-high effigy of Meghnad. Organisers have also planned special visual effects that include a realisation of nectar oozing out of Ravana's navel once Lord Ram hits him with an arrow, flames bursting out of his eyes and a colour-changing garland around his neck. Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan is scheduled to attend as the chief guest.
Dwarka To Host 221-Foot Ravana Dahan
Among the Dussehra highlights are the 15th annual Dwarka Ramlila, which is being organised by Dwarka Shri Ramlila Society at Sector 10. The Ramlila boasts of a 221 ft-tall Ravana effigy, which has been created by over 120 artisans in three months.
The venue has also been created to follow the theme of the Somnath Temple and includes religious symbolism and Indian architectural motifs. President Droupadi Murmu is attending the celebrations as the chief guest.
Ghaziabad: 100-Foot Ravana Effigy At Ghantaghar
In Ghaziabad, a 100-foot-tall hi-tech Ravana will be set ablaze at the Ramlila Grounds on Ghantaghar. Effigies of Meghnad, 95 feet long, and Kumbhakarna, 90 feet long, have also been created.
The effigies have rotating necks and fire coming out of the eyes and mouths. The organisers have assembled a 95 ft Ravana at Shri Dharmik Ramlila ground, Kavinagar, a 90 ft Meghnad and 85 ft Kumbhakarna at the other Ramlila grounds. Effigies between 65 and 75 feet have been assembled at different locations in Sanjay Nagar and Raj Nagar areas. Organisers said the firecrackers used were eco-friendly and effigies would be set on fire from a remote control at various locations.
Noida: Ravana Dahan At 35 Locations, 2,200 Police Personnel Deployed
Noida is preparing for Ravana Dahan at 35 locations, alongside Durga idol immersion ceremonies at 200 locations across Gautam Buddha Nagar. Police have deployed around 2,200 personnel to manage security and crowd movement.
Ramlila events are being held at venues including Sector 62, Noida Stadium, Sector 46 and Sector 110 near Maharishi Ashram. Fire safety arrangements include 250 firefighters and 26 fire vehicles on standby. Police have also said they are monitoring potential rumour-mongering and may deploy additional personnel if required.
Greater Noida West: 70-Foot Ravana At Gaur City
In Greater Noida West, a 70-foot-tall Ravana effigy will be burnt at the Ramlila organised at Radhakrishna Park in Gaur City. The event is expected to feature the traditional burning of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad, followed by fireworks.
Indian Youth Congress Installs Ravana Effigy With Gyanesh Kumar Cut-Out
Separately, the Indian Youth Congress has installed a Ravana effigy featuring a cut-out of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s face near Raisina Hill in New Delhi, as part of its continuing protest against him.
The political display comes amid the organisation’s campaign targeting Kumar. Unlike the traditional Dussehra effigies that symbolise the defeat of evil, the installation is a protest-related use of the Ravana figure.
With events planned across Delhi-NCR, the celebrations this year combine traditional Ramlila performances, towering effigies and elaborate visual effects with unusual displays and political symbolism. Residents planning to attend should check local traffic advisories and venue-specific arrangements before travelling.