All preparations have been finalized across Himachal Pradesh's capital, Shimla, for the celebration of Dussehra. The grand effigy burning ceremony will take place on the evening of Tuesday, October 20, within the premises of the renowned Jakhu Temple located on the city's highest ridge. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will attend the event and set ablaze the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad via a remote control mechanism. In line with the principles of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign, the overall height of the structures has been kept lower this year to reduce environmental impact. Previous editions of the celebration at Jakhu featured effigies measuring more than 55 feet tall, whereas the primary Ravana figure this year has been reduced to 40 feet, noted by its builders as standing at 45 feet.
Technological Visuals And Mechanical Water Fountains
Attendees and travelers visiting Jakhu can anticipate an assortment of specialized pyrotechnics and mechanical visual effects during the effigy burning. The towering Ravana figure has been styled in detailed battle armor. Once ignited, dramatic effects will simulate fire emerging directly from Ravana's heads, tears streaming down from the facial contours, and vibrant fireworks bursting outward from ruptured segments of the head. Alongside the fire display, a concealed mechanism will release a jet of water from behind the structure to offer an unusual dual visual spectacle. Flanking the central figure, the accompanying effigies of Kumbhakarna and Meghnad both stand at a uniform height of 35 feet.
Ramlila Tableaux From Nabha, Dev Dance, And Daylong Feasts
Prior to the sunset effigy burning, a colorful cultural procession of Ramlila tableaux will start from the Nabha area and advance along mountain routes toward Jakhu Temple. The temple grounds will host devotional Dev dances throughout the day, immersing spectators in regional sacred traditions. For visiting pilgrims, an open community kitchen feast will operate without pause from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. The district administrative machinery has implemented structural travel and crowd arrangements across the hill town. Apart from the central event at Jakhu, Dussehra festivities are also scheduled at multiple regional grounds across Shimla, including Nabha, Sankat Mochan, Baluganj, New Shimla, and Summer Hill.
11 Additional HRTC Taxis Arranged For Devotee Transit
To assist commuters and pilgrims navigating the steep ascent to Jakhu Temple, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) issued directives to operate 11 special additional taxis on October 20. Out of this supplementary vehicle pool, seven taxis have been designated to ferry passengers from The Ridge, while four vehicles will run shuttles directly from Navbahar. This service aims to ensure hassle-free transit for both local worshippers and incoming tourists seeking to witness the rituals and head back down safely afterward.
20 Skilled Artisans From Meerut Toil Over 20 Days
Crafting these monumental effigies required extensive labor from an artisan group traveling from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh. A team comprising 20 specialized craftsmen worked steadily over a period of 20 consecutive days to finish the structural frames. Lead maker Mohammad Azim stated that the crew laboured for nearly three weeks to erect the 45-foot Ravana structure along with the twin 35-foot effigies representing Kumbhakarna and Meghnad. All three figures were mounted in position by 7:00 am on Tuesday morning. Sunil, the operational manager at Jakhu Temple, confirmed that all visitor amenities, safety boundaries, and crowd control measures have been properly organized on site.
Religious Significance Of The Historic Jakhu Hanuman Shrine
Perched on Shimla's premier hillside, the sacred Jakhu Temple represents an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman. According to sacred lore, while traversing the skies in search of the life-saving Sanjeevani herb, Hanuman paused momentarily atop Jakhu hill to rest before continuing his mission. Today, the sacred landmark draws immense devotional traffic alongside thousands of tourists who ascend the summit throughout the year.
