Ravan Podi to be celebrated at 10 places in Bhubaneswar; check guidelines

The grand finale to Durga Puja festivities will conclude with the ‘Ravan Podi’, the burning of gigantic effigies of the demon king tonight. Odisha's capital Bhubaneswar is all set to witness the burning large-scale effigies of the 10-headed demon king Ravan, accompanied by a spectacular display of fireworks.

As per reports, the Commissionerate Police has allowed 10 Durga Puja mandaps including at Jharpada, Baramunda, Naharkanta, Koradakanta, Bankual, Gopalpur, KIIT Road, and Chandaka. Also the ‘Ravan Dahan’ can be witnessed in Simulia Patna Dola Jatra field, Kapil Prasad Football Ground, marking an end to the Durga Puja festivities.

Apart from the permission, the Commissionerate Police has issued a set of guidelines for the ‘Ravan Podi’ in the state capital. As per the guidelines:

1.    A minimum distance of 100 meter shall be maintained between the spectators and the area where the display is out.
2.    Only authorized fireworks shall be used. No fireworks shall contain chlorate or a prohibitive explosive mixture.
3.    No display of fireworks shall be carried out when the wind velocity exceeds 50 kilometres per hour.
4.    Once the fireworks have been taken to the site, the site must not be left unattended or unprotected.
5.    No fireworks shall be ignited within 250 metres of a hospital, nursing home, schools unless consent from local authorities.
6.    Adequate fire fighting equipment, facilities and first-aid facilities shall be provided in consultation with the fire service authorities.
7.    No electrical wire shall be allowed within 20 meters of the area where the fireworks are laid down.
8.    No matches, lights or any article of flammable or hazardous nature liable to cause fire or explosion shall be brought or kept in the licensed premises except for firing purposes only.
9.    Before starting the display, it shall be ensured that the fireworks explode and the debris falls in the safe area.
10.    The licensee shall keep records and accounts of all fireworks received, used and stock on hand.