75-ft moving Ravan effigy, green crackers set the stage for Lucknow's Dussehra

Aishbagh Ramlila will feature a 75-ft effigy with moving parts, while Sadar Ramlila plans a 75-ft Ravan and a 35-ft Meghnad.

As nine days of Ramlila draw to a close, Lucknow is gearing up for a grand Dussehra finale, as the city prepares to mark the traditional fervour with festive gatherings, much-awaited Ravan effigies, pyrotechnics and eco-friendly fireworks.

Ravan effigy with moving parts is being prepared for the Dussehra finale at Lucknow’s Aishbagh Ramlila. (Sourced)

The highlight at Aishbagh Ramlila will be a 75-ft Ravan effigy with moving parts, adding a dramatic touch to the enactment of the Ram-Ravan battle.

“The moving parts will bring the effigy to life. Work has been underway for a month, with Delhi-based craftsman Irfan and his four associates leading the construction.

Eco-friendly crackers planned for Aishbagh finale

In Daliganj, the Mausamganj Ramlila committee has put plans to expand Dussehra celebrations to Jhulelal Vatika on hold for another year due to waterlogging.

The Ravan effigy, measuring 15-20 feet, is being built on the traditional Ramlila ground.

Despite the smaller scale, organisers are planning a grand finale, with nearly ₹50,000 earmarked for fireworks and pyrotechnics, said committee member Rajesh Tripathi.

At Sadar Ramlila, near the Uran Kanal Colony ground, preparations are underway on a grand scale.

Organiser Anand Ankur Tiwari said the final day will feature performances by Durga Mata and Hanumanji. Two large effigies — a 35-ft Meghnad and a 75-ft Ravan — are being erected. Unlike previous years, when the Ravan effigy lacked properly constructed legs, this year’s structure will stand on fully built legs and feature 10 distinct heads, giving it a more imposing appearance, Tiwari said.

Mahanagar completes preparations for 60-ft Ravan Dahan

In Mahanagar, a 60-ft Ravan effigy is ready for the traditional Dahan. Committee member Hem Pant said the iconic Angad-Ravana dialogue and Lakshman-Meghnad battle, usually staged on the final day, were held on Monday this year.

“To avoid late-evening congestion and heavy crowd pressure, Ravan Dahan has been scheduled between 7:30 pm and 8 pm, allowing families to witness the finale safely and return home early,” he said.