Gurgaon celebrates Dussehra with 90-foot Ravana effigy

90-foot effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarana and Meghnad were put up at Leisure Valley Park ground at Sector 29

City residents reached various venues on the evening of October 11 to see the burning of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad to celebrate Dussehra. The 90-foot effigies at Leisure Valley Park ground at Sector 29 are said to be the tallest in the city.

The final day of Ramlila before the burning of effigies in Sector 29 on October 11.(Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

Around 30,000 people had turned up to take part in the Dussehra Utsav at Leisure Valley Park ground that was organised by the Dussehra Utsav Ayojan Samati.

“This is the 11th time that we are organising the event in the city at such a large scale. We have got a 90-foot-tall effigy of Ravan built,” said Vikram Gupta, general secretary of the Dussehra Utsav Ayojan Samati.

Earlier, the Samati used to hold Ramlila and burning of effigies at Sector 14. However, due to the huge demand from New Gurgaon residents, organisers shifted to the present venue in Sector 29.

“We have installed various food stalls and 90-foot effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad. An hour-long fireworks display was also held,” said Gupta. The organisers also held a 15-minute laser show for the spectators.

Another famous venue for Dussehra celebrations is the New Colony event visited by around 1,000 people every year.

“The Geeta Bhawan Ramlila is being organised by a group of women since 1948. Its popularity is increasing every year,” said Surender Khullar, member of New Colony Ramlila Committee.

Effigies were also burnt in other areas such as Sector 31.

To mark the occasion, several cultural hubs and societies are held various events. Cultural hubs such as the Epicentres and Kingdom of Dreams organised programmes such as folk dance and Ramlila on Dussehra.