Grand Celebration of Dussehra Marks 71st Ravan Dahan at Gandhi Maidan

Patna, October 20 (Daily Kiran) : The historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna was alive with festivities on October 20 as thousands gathered to witness the 71st annual Ramlila festival and Ravan Dahan, celebrating Vijayadashami.

Organized by the Dussehra Committee Trust, the event featured the ceremonial burning of a massive 90-foot effigy of Ravan, along with those of Kumbhkaran and Meghnath. The crowd erupted with chants of “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Hanuman” as they witnessed the traditional spectacle.

Lord Ram, along with Lakshman and Sita, made a grand entrance on a chariot, captivating the audience as Hanuman and the monkey army performed their customary displays. The burning of an effigy representing the golden city of Lanka added to the grandeur of the occasion.

This celebration conveyed the timeless message of the triumph of good over evil and truth over falsehood. Many attendees traveled from Patna and surrounding areas to partake in the festivities.

Dignitaries present at the event included Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav, Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, and Minister Ram Kripal Yadav.

This year’s celebration at Gandhi Maidan is expected to be the last, as the Ravan Dahan festivities will move to a new Ramleela ground near JP Ganga Path, popularly known as Marine Drive, starting in 2027. This shift aims to alleviate traffic congestion associated with the annual event, a plan previously announced by Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary.

Ravan Dahan ceremonies were also held in various districts across Bihar, including Gaya, Motihari, Bettiah, Gopalganj, Siwan, and several others, showcasing the widespread observance of this cultural tradition.