Haryana is all set to witness a historic Vijayadashami celebration this year in Panchkula, where the nation's tallest effigy of Ravana will be put to flames. A massive 221-foot-tall Ravana has been constructed at the Shalimar Ground in Sector 5, Panchkula. A grand event has been scheduled for Dussehra on October 20, during which the giant effigy will be ceremoniously burnt. The sheer scale of the structure has drawn massive crowds from across the Tri-City, all eagerly waiting to witness the final assembly and burning.
Crafted by Ambala Artisans Over Three and a Half Months
The monumental task of building this massive effigy was undertaken by Tejinder Chauhan, a resident of Barara in Ambala, along with his dedicated team. It took them 3 months and 15 days to complete the structure, which is now receiving its final touches. Tejinder Chauhan has been building Ravana effigies for nearly 40 years, breaking his own previous world records along the way. He noted that this year's Vijayadashami at the Sector 5 Shalimar Ground will be a historic day for the residents of the Tri-City.
Heavy Cranes and Workers Deployed for Erection
Erecting a structure of this magnitude requires careful planning and heavy machinery. Reports indicate that on October 17, a 200-tonne crane alongside numerous laborers will be deployed to hoist and stand the gigantic effigy upright. The total cost incurred in manufacturing this towering structure is estimated at around 34 lakh rupees. Tons of iron, bamboo, and high-quality velvet cloth have been utilized to ensure structural integrity and a grand visual appeal.
Eco-Friendly Celebrations Planned for the Occasion
Environmental consciousness has been integrated into the core of this year's celebrations. The creators have announced that the effigy will utilize eco-friendly firecrackers to prevent environmental pollution during the burning ceremony. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will detonate the remote control to perform the grand dahan of this colossal structure, marking a major highlight for the region.
Intricate Dimensions of the Towering Effigy
Every single component of the 221-foot structure has been meticulously engineered on a grand scale. The face of Ravana, crafted out of fiber-glass, measures 25 feet in length and 10 feet in width. Furthermore, the crown stands at 55 feet, the sword at 50 feet, the torso at 90 feet, and both the legs and arms measure 40 feet each. The entire framework is draped in approximately 5,000 meters of velvet cloth. Notably, large effigies are a tradition here, following last year's 180-foot Ravana combustion.
