Panchkula’s 221-ft Ravan ready to go up in flames at touch of button

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CM Saini to trigger remote-controlled burning on Dussehra; giant sword and 40-foot shoes add to spectacle; visitors flock to Shalimar Ground for selfies and reels

Panchkula: A 221-foot Ravan effigy has been erected at Shalimar Ground in Sector 5, Panchkula, ahead of Vijayadashami, with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini scheduled to set it ablaze using a remote control on Tuesday, i.e. October 20.

The ten-headed structure was erected with the help of a hydraulic machine after nearly three-and-a-half months of work. Its completion has drawn crowds to the ground, with visitors gathering to take selfies and make reels against the towering backdrop.

The effigy is accompanied by a 51-foot-long sword and a pair of 40-foot shoes, adding to the spectacle at the venue.

The structure has been prepared by Tejinder Chauhan, a resident of Barara in Ambala district, along with his team. According to the organisers, the team has also created giant Ravan effigies in Delhi and Dehradun.

While the structure is in place, the installation of eco-friendly firecrackers and electrical work are yet to be completed. Barricades and security arrangements have been put in place around the effigy as a precautionary measure.

Adarsh Ramlila has organised the effigy as part of the Dussehra celebrations at Shalimar Ground. The organisers have said they will attempt to surpass the 221-foot mark next year.

Reportedly, the preparations for Dussehra in Panchkula were earlier hit by a separate controversy after an artisan allegedly fled after taking payment for making Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad effigies worth an estimated ₹20 lakh, leaving the work incomplete.

Shri Ramleela Yuva Manch lodged a complaint at the Sector 5 police station. SHO Sandeep Kumar confirmed that the complaint had been received and that the matter was under investigation, adding that appropriate action would follow.

With the festival approaching, the organisers engaged another artisan to complete the effigies in time for Vijayadashami.