Dussehra, celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm across India, marks the victory of good over evil. In 2024, Delhi witnessed a remarkable and historic celebration with the burning of the world’s tallest Ravana effigy. Standing at a staggering 211 feet, the grand effigy became the centerpiece of attention at the Dwarka Sector 10 Ramleela Ground, where the Dwarka Shri Ramleela Society had been organizing Ramleela performances and the Ravana effigy burning for several years. The event not only drew huge crowds but also made headlines worldwide, leaving a mark on the cultural landscape of Dussehra celebrations.

A Long-Standing Tradition in Dwarka

Dwarka's Ramleela Ground has been the hub of grand Dussehra celebrations for years. With the performances of Ramleela and the symbolic burning of Ravana, this place has attracted people from across Delhi and beyond. Over the years, the festivities here had grown in magnitude and fame. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, had even attended the event on two previous occasions, boosting its significance.

However, in 2024, the event reached new heights, quite literally, with a Ravana effigy that stood taller than ever before, grabbing the attention of all who attended. The towering 211-foot-tall effigy became a landmark of the event, symbolizing the overwhelming defeat of evil.

The Making of the World’s Tallest Ravana

The creation of this magnificent Ravana effigy was no small feat. It took four months of dedicated work by 40 skilled artisans from different regions. Spearheading the project was Jitendra Khanna from Bharara village near Ambala, Punjab. Known for his expertise in creating festival structures, Jitendra and his team meticulously crafted the effigy using bamboo and velvet fabric, shunning the traditional use of paper.

The choice of materials was both practical and aesthetic. Since the Ravana effigy would face unpredictable weather, it was made waterproof by using velvet fabric, making it durable and visually appealing. The organizers proudly claimed that this Ravana effigy was not just the tallest in Delhi but the tallest in the world, a claim that captivated locals and tourists alike.

Crafting a Giant: Time, Effort, and Cost

Building a 211-foot-tall effigy was a massive undertaking, both in terms of logistics and costs. The project, completed at an estimated cost of 30 lakh rupees, was finally revealed on October 2, 2024, just before the Dussehra festival. To ensure the effigy’s stability, ten feet deep iron pipes were installed underground, providing a strong base to hold the massive structure upright. Additional safety measures were taken, with iron chains reinforcing the effigy from all sides.

While the structure itself was awe-inspiring, what also caught people’s attention was the detailed craftsmanship. The effigy’s shoes, for instance, were designed so elaborately that many visitors couldn’t resist clicking photos with them. The sheer scale and beauty of the Ravana effigy made it an unmissable spectacle, compelling people to crane their necks just to take in its full height.

A Growing Tradition: The Increase in Ravana’s Height Over the Years

The height of the Ravana effigy had been increasing gradually over the years at Dwarka's Ramleela Ground. Initially, Ravana effigies were around 60 to 70 feet tall, but as the celebrations grew in grandeur, so did the size of the effigies. This year’s 211-foot giant was the tallest ever constructed, not just for the Dwarka Ramleela, but potentially worldwide.

Rajesh Gehlot, the chairman of Dwarka Shri Ramleela Society, expressed his pride in this achievement. He mentioned that the society had always aimed to make the Ramleela celebrations bigger and better each year, and the towering Ravana was a symbol of their dedication to preserving and enhancing this cultural event.

A Spectacle to Remember: The Ramleela Performances

The Dussehra festivities in Dwarka were not limited to just the effigy burning. The Ramleela performances themselves were a major attraction, drawing thousands of spectators each evening. This year’s Ramleela was especially notable for its grand stage, modeled after the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The stage was designed to give the audience a three-dimensional experience, bringing the epic tale of Ramayana to life in a way that mesmerized viewers.

Out of 400 artists who auditioned for the roles, only 100 were selected, ensuring that the quality of performances remained top-notch. The actors were trained rigorously before taking the stage, and their performances were both professional and captivating, bringing the story of Lord Ram and Ravana’s epic battle to life with emotional depth and grandeur.

Safety Measures and Arrangements

With an event of such scale, safety was a top priority. To ensure the smooth functioning of the event, organizers had arranged for seating for around 10,000 people. Additionally, 200 CCTV cameras were installed across the grounds, ensuring the security of visitors and performers alike. Parking arrangements were made for up to 10,000 vehicles, accommodating the large crowds expected at the event.

Rajesh Gehlot emphasized the importance of safety, explaining that the iron pipes and chains used to secure the Ravana effigy were crucial in ensuring the structure remained stable despite its enormous height. The careful planning and execution of safety measures gave visitors the confidence to enjoy the celebrations without concern.

A Special Invitation to Dignitaries

In keeping with tradition, invitations were sent to several high-profile dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While it was uncertain whether the Prime Minister would attend this year, his previous presence at the event had elevated its status significantly. Other cabinet ministers were also invited, adding to the prestige of the event.

The grand scale of the 2024 Dussehra celebrations in Dwarka captured the imagination of all who attended. The combination of the world’s tallest Ravana effigy, a stunning stage, and professional Ramleela performances made it a cultural event to remember. The towering effigy symbolized the eternal triumph of good over evil, a message that resonated powerfully in this year’s celebrations.

Conclusion

The Dussehra of 2024 in Dwarka, Delhi, will be remembered for its grand scale and cultural significance. The 211-foot-tall Ravana effigy, the largest in the world, stood as a towering symbol of victory over evil, drawing crowds from across the city and beyond. The efforts of the 40 artists, the meticulous planning, and the grandeur of the event itself made it one of the most talked-about Dussehra celebrations in India, solidifying Delhi's place in the global Dussehra festival landscape.