Raavan effigies lit up skies across Odisha as people celebrated Dussehra, to mark the victory of good or evil. After two years of muted celebrations due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Dussehra festivities returned to their usual grandeur this year.
People came out in millions to participate and watch the burning of Raavan effigies. Huge effigies of Raavan, his brother Kumbhakaran and son Meghnad went up in flames as people celebrated the triumph of good over evil.
The celebrations were, however, blighted in few districts due to the sudden downpour.
In Bhubaneswar, the spectacular Raavan Podi, which marks the end of Durga Puja festival, was held in four places in Baramunda, Jharpada, Koradakanta and Pahala.
In Baramunda, people enjoyed spectacular fireworks of Raavan Podi in the evening. A Raavan effigy of about 80 feet was built this year. Similarly, Jharpada puja committee members including both Hindus and Muslims, had prepared a Raavan effigy of around 50 feet.
The Commissionerate Police had set up adequate firefighting arrangements to prevent any mishap or untoward incident during the spectacular event. The organizers were also directed to maintain at least 100 meters distance between the firecrackers and the spectators.
Similarly, thousands of residents of Silver city, Cuttack, thronged to Baliyatra ground to witness the ‘Raavan Podi’. Similarly, skies also lit up in western cities like Rourkela and Sambalpur as devotees turned up in huge numbers to witness the age-old festival.
However, rain played spoilsport to the festivities in many districts. Twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar experienced rainfall in the wee hours today, while many other parts of Odisha also experienced heavy rainfall activities under the influence of active monsoon conditions and low pressure system.
Fortunately, no untoward incident was reported from any part of the State. The festival of good or evil ended on a good note while people await for Diwali to arrive.