60-feet-tall Ravana effigy burnt at Salt Lake

Kolkata: Keeping up with its tradition of burning the tallest effigy during Dussehra, the Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad Committee burnt a 60-feet tall Ravana effigy at the Central Park (Salt Lake) on Saturday.

The event was attended by Sabyasachi Dutta, Mayor of Bidhannagar, Sujit Bose, MLA, Vaishali Dalmiya, MLA, Lalit Beriwala, president of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad.

Last year, a 50-feet tall effigy of Ravana was burnt by the committee members. This year, the effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhakaran were about 50-feet tall. The main objective of this event was to provide a vibrant interface between the citizens and the rich cultural tradition of Bengal.

The event witnessed a huge crowd of devotees, who thronged the annual ritual — the burning of an effigy of demon king Ravana. Many observe Dussehra by organising outdoor fairs and large parades with effigies of the demon king which are burnt on bonfires in the evening. Idols of the goddess Durga are immersed in rivers and large water bodies.

Speaking about the event, Lalit Beriwala, President of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad said: "We had made special arrangements at Central Park ground to celebrate the victory of good over evil, Besides burning of the 60-feet-tall effigy of Ravana, we have also organized a separate fire show during the event. Artistes from various states performed during the function. Fireworks continued for about 45 minutes. Over 25,000 people were present during the burning of the effigy."

Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad is an organisation that works for the underprivileged by providing facilities like education, health and associated services to them. Schools, charitable dispensary, blood donation camp, book distribution programme, marriage hall are provided by them.