Dehradun Builds 181-Foot Waterproof Ravana Effigy to Safeguard Dussehra Against Rain Organisers in Dehradun have constructed an 181-foot waterproof Ravana effigy using fiberglass and specialized fabric to avoid weather disruptions. Crafted by artisan Tejinder Singh Chauhan and his team over 45 days at a cost of 31 lakh rupees, the burning is scheduled for October 20. 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. What this means for you The introduction of a waterproof effigy in Dehradun ensures that adverse weather will not disrupt the grand Dussehra celebrations for thousands of attendees. • In Dehradun: Spectators who faced disappointment last year due to rain interruptions are assured of an unhindered event this season. The effigy burning will take place punctually at 6:30 PM on October 20 at the Parade Ground, protecting attendees' time and plans. • Across Uttarakhand: Visitors and devotees traveling from neighboring towns will witness the full ceremonial proceedings on schedule without weather-related postponements. The 31 lakh rupee investment guarantees that the expanded celebration proceeds as advertised. • For Event Organizers: The deployment of fiberglass and waterproof fabrics establishes an operational blueprint for cultural festivals facing unpredictable autumn weather. Other regional festival committees may replicate these materials to safeguard their own investments. • For Fairgoers: The record 181-foot height of the main effigy alongside 70-foot companion statues is expected to attract exceptionally large crowds. Visitors should plan their travel to the Parade Ground well in advance of the scheduled evening combustion. Why this happened The decision to build a record-breaking, waterproof effigy in Dehradun arose from last year's weather mishaps and the committee's proactive technical planning. • Previous Rain Disruptions: Unseasonal rainfall during last year's Dussehra soaked the paper effigies, preventing proper combustion and dampening public enthusiasm. The resulting operational chaos prompted organizers to develop a foolproof safeguard against weather uncertainties. • Shift to Durable Materials: Anticipating possible rainfall this autumn, organizers moved away from vulnerable traditional paper and glue. They deployed multi-layered fiberglass and water-resistant fabrics to keep moisture entirely out of the internal structure. • Upgrading the Festival's Scale: Marking 78 years of celebrations at the Parade Ground, the committee sought to elevate the spectacle by increasing Ravana's height from 131 feet to 181 feet. Veteran craftsman Tejinder Singh Chauhan and his 40-member team were engaged 45 days in advance to deliver the ambitious design. Questions & Answers 1. What is the height of the Ravana effigy in Dehradun this year? The Ravana effigy at Parade Ground stands at 181 feet, an increase of 50 feet over the previous 131-foot structure. 2. How was the effigy made waterproof? Craftsmen built the structure using durable fiberglass and multiple layers of specialized water-repellent fabrics to keep moisture out. 3. What are the heights of the Meghnad and Kumbhkaran effigies? Both the Meghnad and Kumbhkaran effigies have been built to a height of 70 feet each. 4. Who is the lead craftsman responsible for building these effigies? The effigies were designed and built by renowned artisan Tejinder Singh Chauhan from Haryana alongside his 40-member crew. 5. What was the total expenditure incurred on constructing the three effigies? The total cost of constructing the effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran came to approximately 31 lakh rupees. 6. When is the effigy burning scheduled to take place in Dehradun? The ceremonial burning is scheduled for 6:30 PM on October 20 at the Parade Ground. https://trendkia.com/en/uttarakhand/dehradun-men-181-phita-ka-vataraprupha-ravana-taiyara-barisha-se-beasara-rahega-isa-bara-ka-putala-dahana-47431 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.