Night sky lights up as Ravana meets fiery end on Dussehra

Devotees bid adieu to Durga as Ravana goes up in flames

New Delhi: Larger than life effigies of demon king Ravana went up in flames amid electrifying displays of fireworks as people across the city celebrated the triumph of good over evil. Colourful, life-size effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnada going up in flames; comet-shaped fire crackers shooting up into the sky and bursting into a magnificent shower of purple, red and golden stars; and the final battle between Lord Rama and Ravana watched by an enraptured audience. 

It is an extravagant celebration year after year that never fails to impress. And this year tooRamlila committees made it a point to mesmerize Delhiites, staging extravagant Dussehracelebrations on Thursday. Hundreds gathered at grounds across the city to watch the evil king of Lanka being set ablaze. Before Ravana was set on fire the audience was enthralled with the performances of the actors enacting the final battle between Lord Rama and Ravana. Many even tried to catch the arrows that fell away from the stage. Ramlila Maidan, the venue for Shri Ram Lila Committee's Ramlila, saw thousands gather to watch a spectacular fire work display and 'ravan dehen.' Being one of the oldest committees in the city that has been organizing Ramlila for many years, the celebrations were attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi. "I am very glad that our leaders made it to the celebrations. Although Ravana (the effigy) has been eliminated, I think it is time our leaders work on eliminating the Ravana (read corruption) amongst them," said Sumit Kanojia, 21, a student who took part in the Dussehra celebrations. While the fireworks at Ramlila Maidan stole the show, it was the techno Ravana set up by the Lav Kush Ram Lila Committee that left everyone dazzled. The 100-foot effigy discharged foam from its mouth, cried in pain and also glowered at the audience. "We have also organized a cultural programme for the gathering after Ravana is set on fire," said Piyush Agarwal, press secretary of the committee. "Dussehra is a time when Satya (truth) prevails over Asatya (lie) so the celebrations have to be grand," said Ravi Jain, press secretary of Shri Dharmic Leela Committee. The celebrations of this committee were attended by Vice-President Hamid Ansari along with the PM, Sonia Gandhi, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Tejinder Khanna and Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. Other committees such as the Shri Ramlila Committee IP Extension burnt an effigy on Corruption. "Every year we pick three social issues affecting society and ask local residents to vote to decide on the winning theme. This year a majority of the votes went to corruption so that's what our effigy represents," said Jeewesh Sharma, secretary, of the committee.