With rain in sight, Ravana effigies become waterproof in Ranchi

Burning of demon king Ravana's effigies called Ravan Dahan will be performed across the country on the occasion of Dussehra. But rain forecasts in some parts of the country could put a dampener on the celebrations. Considering the India Meteorological Department (IMD) prediction, some organisers in Ranchi have come up with a unique idea to make idols waterproof to ensure that the function goes through smoothly.

The capital city of Ranchi plans to celebrate Dussehra by organising Raven Dahan on October 5 at 5.30pm on a grand scale after a two-year gap. But IMD-Ranchi has predicted rains during the period. As per the weather report by IMD, light to moderate rain is expected throughout the week in Ranchi along with lightning. Keeping this in mind, the Punjabi Hindu Biradari in Ranchi has made its effigies waterproof.

According to a ToI report, the Punjabi Hindu Biradari has erected effigies on about 900 sq ft area at a cost of Rs 5 lakh. The height of the effigies of Ravana is 70 feet, Kumbhakaran 65ft, and Meghnath 60ft. To make the structure waterproof, the organisers have covered the wooden structures by semi-hard waterproof plastic that blends with the skin colour of the effigies.


In 2019, in order to prevent heavy downpour to play spoilsport on the occasion of Dussehraa, an organising committee in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh had also installed a waterproof Ravana effigy. They also installed the effigy of Aksayakumara, the youngest son of Ravana, to educate children about his role in Ramayan.