Ujjain : Thousands of people gathered at the Dussehra Maidan and Kartik Mela ground to witness the burning of effigies of demon king Ravana, to mark the festival of Vijaya Dashmi, here on Saturday night.
The ‘Ravan dahan’ tradition followed in the city on Dussehra entered its 54th year, as it took place at Dussehra Maidan. Artisan Ramlakhan Kahar and his team made a 101 feet tall Ravana effigy, which was set on fire at about 9 pm, in the presence of thousands of people. As part of tradition, the procession of Ram-Lakshman along with Hanuman, reached Dussehra Maidan where collector Sanket Bhondve performed customary worship.
Prior to burning, a brilliant display of fireworks was inaugurated by SP Sachin Atulkar. During the event, bhajan singer Jwalant Sharma and team presented their programme. Malwi artist Balkrishna Sharma was given the late Lala Amarnath memorial award in the presence of prominent peoples’ representatives.
The second ‘Ravan dahan’ event was held at Kartik fair ground on the banks of the river Kshipra. The event is held in memory of the late deputy-mayor Premnarayan Yadav every year, since 1983. The event began at about 7.30 pm with a fireworks display. The procession of Ram-Lakshman and sage Brihaspati was received by energy minister Paras Jain, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad general secretary Mahant Hari Giri, senior officials and others. The organising committee also felicitated representatives of all religions.
As per tradition, ‘Ravan dahan’ will also be held on Sunday, from8 pm at Siddhvat Ground, Bhairavgarh, as informed by the organising committee head Pt Surendra Chaturvedi.
