Dussehra Celebrations in Madhya Pradesh: From a 121-foot Ravana Effigy to the Procession of Lord Mahakal These Are Major Attractions
Bhopal. On Tuesday, October 20, the festival of Vijayadashami is being celebrated across Madhya Pradesh, marked by deep religious faith, traditional customs, and grand events. Preparations for the burning of Ravana effigies are complete in cities including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, and Jabalpur. While colossal effigies of Ravana serve as the main attraction in some places, other locations are observing age-old traditions, such as the ceremonial procession of Lord Mahakal and the ritual worship of weapons (Shastra Pujan). However, the possibility of rain in some districts has become a cause for concern among the organizers.
Ravana Effigy Burnings in Bhopal
In the capital, Bhopal, the burning of Ravana effigies is scheduled to take place across 18 different grounds. A 105-foot-tall effigy of Ravana in Kolar is set to be a major highlight. Other notable effigies include a 101-foot-tall one at Jamburi Ground, a 90-foot-tall one at Kaliasot Ground, a 55-foot-tall one in TT Nagar, and a 53-foot-tall one in Bittan Market.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav will attend the events in Kolar and Chhola. Celebrations have also been organized in Bairagarh, Gandhi Nagar, Koh-e-Fiza, Chhola, Housing Board, Ashoka Garden, Ayodhya Nagar, BHEL, MVM College, Laharpura, Shahpura, and several other locations. The city will come alive with the spirit of Vijayadashami, featuring fireworks and various cultural programs.
121-foot Ravana in Indore
In Indore, the Dussehra celebration at Ushaganj Chhawani will be a special attraction, featuring the torching of a 121-foot-tall effigy of Ravana. The organizers have arranged for a fireworks display lasting approximately one and a half hours. A large turnout is expected at the venue, which has been decorated with elaborate lighting and the massive effigy.
Procession of Lord Mahakal will arrive at the Dussehra Maidan
In the religious city of Ujjain, a 101-foot-tall effigy of Ravan will be set ablaze at the Dussehra Maidan. Additional events are also planned at Kartik Maidan, Unhel Chauraha, and Heera Mill Maidan. On the occasion of Vijayadashami, the procession of Lord Mahakal—carried in a silver palanquin—will arrive at the Dussehra Maidan, where a 'Shami' tree will be worshipped.
Preparations have been made to create elaborate 'rangoli' designs across an area of approximately one lakh square feet, and arrangements are in place to shower the palanquin with flowers. Thus, Dussehra in Ujjain will serve as a confluence of religious traditions and public celebration.
Celebrations in Gwalior and Jabalpur
In Gwalior, a 65-foot-tall effigy of Ravan will be set ablaze at the Phoolbagh Maidan; Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia is expected to attend the event. A 30-minute fireworks display is also planned. Meanwhile, in Jabalpur, a 75-foot-tall effigy of Ravan has been prepared at Gwarighat. Local organizing committees in other cities across the state have also finalized their respective Dussehra programs.
Preparations Amidst Rain Alerts
Given the possibility of rain in some parts of the state, organizing committees are taking precautions to keep the effigies safe. Should it rain, the construction, decoration, and burning of the effigies could be affected. So necessary precautions are being taken.