Nagpur marks 75th Ravan Dahan at Kasturchand Park with 75-foot effigy

Dussehra celebrations in Nagpur reached a historic milestone this year. On Vijayadashami, October 20, the city's well-known Ravan Dahan ceremony was held for the 75th time at Kasturchand Park. Thousands of spectators were present as the 75-foot effigy of Ravan was set alight.

The platinum jubilee event was organised by the Sanatan Dharma Yuvak Sabha. The evening had a religious atmosphere, with cultural programmes and striking visual effects. The event again showed why it is counted among the most important Dussehra attractions in central India.

Three giant effigies were erected this time: a 75-foot Ravan, a 65-foot Kumbhakarna and a 55-foot Meghnad. They symbolise the victory of good over evil. The size of the effigies and the grandeur of the whole programme made the occasion special, as it marked a milestone in a 75-year-old tradition woven into Nagpur's cultural calendar.

The five-day platinum jubilee celebrations ran from October 16 to 20. They combined traditional religious rituals with modern entertainment. A cultural programme, an audio-visual presentation of the Ramlila and a large fire show were the main attractions, drawing families and devotees to Kasturchand Park.

The 75th edition was not just an annual effigy-burning event. It is part of an old public festival that has brought several generations of Nagpur residents together at Dussehra. The Sanatan Dharma Yuvak Sabha organised it with religious rituals, cultural performances and lavish stage decoration. Before the traditional climax of the Ravan Dahan, the audio-visual Ramlila let audiences watch episodes from the Ramayana in dramatic form.

The giant effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad were the centre of attention. The varying heights made the sight more striking. It also reinforced the traditional message of Vijayadashami that righteousness triumphs over ego and evil. The fire show added a contemporary touch to the traditional programme. The mix of religious storytelling, cultural entertainment and fireworks made the jubilee event a major public attraction. Large crowds came from Nagpur and surrounding areas.

Kasturchand Park was the main venue, but Ravan Dahan was also held on a large scale at other places, including Nara-Jaripatka and Awasthi Chowk. With crowds gathering at many places at once, the police and traffic department faced the challenge of managing the crowds, keeping routes open and ensuring the celebrations ended peacefully.

The 70th Dhammachakra Pravartan Din was also observed at Deekshabhoomi the same day, and there were other Vijayadashami events and gatherings. With so many large events at once, Nagpur Police made major security arrangements across the city. About 3,500 police personnel were to be deployed. They were given charge of crowd management, surveillance, traffic and law and order. The security plan covered Kasturchand Park, Deekshabhoomi, the Dragon Palace at Kamptee, the RSS headquarters and the other Ravan Dahan venues. Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangare Patil oversaw the preparations.

Technology played a big part in security. Crowded places were watched through AI-based monitoring, a CCTV network and drone cameras. As a precaution, bomb detection squads and dog units were also part of the plan, while intelligence teams and a reserve force were kept ready in case of need. Entry and exit points and approach routes were closely monitored.

Traffic arrangements around Kasturchand Park were also important. Temporary road closures and diversions were in force from afternoon until late at night. Restrictions were imposed on roads leading towards Samvidhan Chowk, and motorists were asked to use alternative routes. The aim was to keep vehicles out of crowded areas, make it easier for pedestrians and keep a route open for emergencies.