40 fairs & weekend set to make city’s Dussehra spl

Ludhiana: More than 40 fairs will make the city’s Dussehra celebrations a grand affair this Saturday. The weekend gives the residents a chance to enjoy this day of commemorating the victory of good over evil with family and friends while. Once Dussehra wraps up, preparations for Diwali will begin in full swing.
Dinesh Marwaha of the Shree Ramlila Dussehra Committee at Daresi said: “Everything is ready for a spectacular celebration.We have installed a 125-foot-tall effigy of Ravan, which will be a major draw for the devotees. The effigy is set up the night before Dussehra so that residents can offer prayers to Ravan in the morning out of reverence for his knowledge. The effigy will be burnt after 5.30 pm, and it promises to be a grand show.”
Meanwhile, Raju Thapar of Upkar Nagar’s Shree Ramlila Dussehra Committee said: “We expect a large crowd on Saturday, for we have stepped up security accordingly. Two officers will guard the Ravan effigy overnight on Friday to prevent any mischief.” Their effigy burning is scheduled for 5.57 pm, based on the pandit’s designated time.
For those seeking a more spiritual experience, the Braj Gandhravs will perform a special Ramlila at the ISKCON temple near Janpath Estate on Canal Road. Raksha Nath Das from ISKCON said: “This grand Ramlila performance is not to be missed. It begins at 5.30 pm, though there will be no burning of a Ravan effigy. Our focus is on educating people about the significance of this day and the virtues of Lord Ram.”
Govind Godham shared with the media that children from Ek Muskan School will also perform a Ramlila, followed by the burning of the Ravan effigy. “This performance will offer the spectators a deeply spiritual experience through the talents of these children,” said a member of the organising committee.