Udaipur: The sacred festival of Vijayadashami will once again be celebrated in Udaipur with grandeur and devotion. Organized under the joint aegis of Pujya Shri Balochistan Panchayat and Shri Sanatan Dharma Seva Samiti, the 77th Dussehra Festival will take place on Thursday, October 2, at Gandhi Ground (Maharana Bhupal Stadium, Chetak).

Effigies’ Procession Draws Crowds

On September 28, after traditional worship at Balochistan Bhavan, Shakti Nagar, the towering effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran were ceremoniously carried to Gandhi Ground. The procession became a spectacle in itself, as people gathered along the route, chanting “Jai Shri Ram,” filling the atmosphere with devotional energy.

Rain Tested the Spirit of Volunteers

According to Hemant Gakharja of the Seva Samiti, heavy rainfall during the procession posed unexpected challenges. Volunteers, drenched yet determined, covered the effigies with tarpaulin and secured them with strong ropes to ensure safe transport. The dedication and collective effort of the workers turned the moment into a powerful symbol of devotion and teamwork.

Final Touches Underway

General Secretary Vijay Ahuja shared that the effigies will soon receive their finishing touches, along with the decoration of a 100-foot golden Lanka. He remarked, “Each year Ravana’s height increases, and this year’s burning will be grander than ever before.”

Panchayat President Nankaram Kasturi added that focus has now shifted to stage preparation, tableaux, security arrangements, and fireworks. By September 30 to October 2, the effigies will be erected, and Lanka’s decoration will be completed.

A Festival of Faith and Unity

Mukesh Gakharja of the Seva Samiti expressed that excitement is running high among citizens. As every year, Gandhi Ground will resonate with patriotic songs and religious chants. The grand spectacle will culminate when the 70-foot Ravana, 65-foot Meghnath, and equally tall Kumbhkaran collapse in flames amid fireworks, cultural tableaux, and a massive gathering—once again reaffirming the eternal message:
“Truth always triumphs over falsehood.”

Key contributors to the effigies’ transport, braving the rain, included Jitendra Talreja, Kamal Talreja, Vijay Kasturi, Prakash Budhraj, Holaram Chhoda, Jai Sapra, Nanak Lunj, Mukesh Gakharja, Swaroop Tulsija, Harish Bhatia, Amit Khathuria, Subhash and Manish Khathuria, along with several other dedicated workers.

 

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