Preparations for Vijayadashami in Dehradun have adopted an innovative engineering approach this season. Following severe disruptions caused by unexpected downpours during last year's celebrations, the organizing committee decided to safeguard the event against adverse weather conditions. For the first time, a completely waterproof effigy of Ravana has been erected at the historic Parade Ground, ensuring that celebrations proceed smoothly regardless of rainfall.
Fiberglass and Specialized Fabric for Weather Protection
To shield the giant structure from water damage, craftsmen changed the core construction materials. The effigies have been reinforced using durable fiberglass and multiple layers of specialized water-repellent fabric. This protective shell prevents moisture from penetrating the interior chambers. Even if rain begins during the ceremony, the external barrier will keep the structure dry, allowing pyrotechnics and combustion to proceed without malfunction.
Height Raised to 181 Feet Alongside Meghnad and Kumbhkaran
The scale of the central figure has also seen a significant upgrade this year. According to Santokh Nagpal, General Secretary of the Bannu Biradari and head of the Dussehra Committee, the annual festival has been observed with great fanfare at the Parade Ground for the past 78 years. While the Ravana effigy typically measured 131 feet in earlier editions, its height has been expanded to 181 feet this time. Flanking the demon king, effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhkaran have also been completed, each standing 70 feet tall.
Tejinder Singh Chauhan's Four Decades of Record-Setting Craftsmanship
The construction of these monumental figures was led by master artisan Tejinder Singh Chauhan from Haryana, working alongside a dedicated crew of around 40 craftsmen. Chauhan brings 41 years of experience in crafting giant effigies, an expertise that has earned him spots in prominent record archives. His work was officially recorded in the Limca Book of Records in 2013. Completing the three gigantic statues for Dehradun required 45 continuous days of intensive labor from his crew.
Promoting Communal Harmony Through Craft
An inspiring dimension of the workshop is the collaborative effort behind the scenes. Chauhan's team brings together artisans from both Hindu and Muslim communities who work side by side throughout the building process. For Chauhan, crafting these ceremonial figures transcends regular employment. He views the collective enterprise as a vital opportunity to unite different communities and demonstrate sustained communal harmony and shared heritage.
31 Lakh Rupee Budget and October 20 Burning Schedule
Building the three towering effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran involved an overall expenditure of approximately 31 lakh rupees. Alongside the three figures, a grand replica of Lanka has also been constructed and will be positioned on the grounds shortly. The ceremonial burning is scheduled to take place at 6:30 PM on October 20. Large crowds from across Dehradun and various districts of Uttarakhand are expected to gather at the venue to watch the spectacle.
