Noida: Ramlilas came to an end on Tuesday with the burning of effigies of Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbhakarn. Dussehra marked the end of evil and the celebration of the victory of the righteous across the city and Ghaziabad.While Dussehra celebrations were held at Ramlila grounds across the city, Bisrakh village, believed to be Ravan’s birthplace, mourned its ancestor and prayed for him throughout the day. According to the legend, the village is named after Ravana’s father, sage Vishrava, from whose name Vishravas or Bisrakh is derived.At Noida Stadium in Sector 21A, Shri Sanatan Dharm Ramlila Committee (SSDRC), the city’s oldest and in its 41st year, concluded Ramlila with the slaying of Narantaka, Ahiravana and Ravan, which left the audience spellbound. This was followed by the burning of the effigies of Kumbhakarn, Meghnad and Ravan, accompanied by a display of fireworks.Gautam Budh Nagar MP Mahesh Sharma, who was the chief guest, led the celebration of the triumph of the good over evil along with MLA Pankaj Singh, BJP’s western UP regional president Nawab Singh Nagar, YP Singh and former chairperson of Uttar Pradesh State Commission for Women Vimla Batham among others. Organised by Hari Bhakti Kala Trust under the aegis of SSDRC, Ramlila was directed by Pankaj Sharma, with an impactful portrayal of the life and deeds of Lord Ram keeping the audience spell-bound.In Sector 62, the 10th day of Ramlila by Shri Ram Mitra Mandal (SRMM) Noida Ramlila Samiti at Ramlila Ground ended with a fierce conflict between the armies of Ravan and Lord Ram. Later in the evening, effigies of Ravan (70 feet), Kumbhakarn (65 feet) and Meghnad (60 feet) were burned. “Effigies symbolising terrorism, corruption and the oppression of women consigned to the flames,” said president of SRMM Dharampal Goyal. He said the event aimed to connect the youth, Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha with Ramlila.MP Sharma, MLA Singh and mahamandaleshwar Swami Adiyogi Puri were present as the arrows were shot to set ablaze the effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakarn and Meghnad “as well as effigies symbolising inflation, Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and the oppression of women”, said general secretary of SRMM Ramlila Munna Kumar Sharma. On Oct 21, a grand event will be held, featuring the ‘Bharat Milap’.In Greater Noida, Shri Dharmik Ramlila Committee (SDRC) at Aiccher in Sector Pi, in its 17th year, ended with battles between Lakshman and Meghnad and between Lord Rama, Kumbhakarn and Ravan, followed by the burning of the effigies of Meghnad, Kumbhakarn and Ravana. SDRC president Anand Bhati said between 25,000 and 30,000 people witnessed this event.At Ecotech 12 in Greater Noida West, chants of Jai Shri Ram reverberated as the effigies of 85-foot-tall Ravan, 70-foot-tall Meghnad and 70-foot-tall Kumbhakarn were consigned to flames at 8pm. “Today is a day filled with pride, joy and deep emotion for all of us,” said Vikash Katiyar from Ramlila committee.Shri Ramlila Committee (SRC) at Site 4 City Park, Greater Noida, also called the curtains on Ramlila with the burning of effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakarn and Meghnad on Tuesday. Sixty-five artists from Saket Kala Manch performed at SRC Ramlila while the fair attracted huge crowds, with food stalls, swings and amusement rides captivating the revellers. In Greater Noida West, 70 societies collaborated for this year’s Ramlila, which showcased the model of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya.In Ghaziabad, Shri Sullamal Ramlila, the oldest celebration at 126 years this year, concluded with similar celebrations of effigy burning and fireworks. Adarsh Ramlila Samiti in Kavi Nagar is in its 49th year and Raj Nagar Extension Ramlila also ended with traditional Dussehra celebrations and the burning of Ravan effigies.While food stalls, amusement rides and a fireworks display attracted a huge crowd at these Ramlilas, CCTV cameras, security personnel and volunteers on the ground managed the crowd and other arrangements. Traffic police also engaged in managing the traffic at these venues.Meanwhile, hundreds of devotees arrived at Bisrakh Dham in Greater Noida. Havan and prayers were offered at Bisrakh for their ancestor Ravan where no effigy is burnt on Dussehra as a mark of respect to him. “Burning an effigy of Ravan cannot eradicate evil. Evil can only be eliminated through the cultivation of proper values,” said Acharya Ashokanand at the Ravan temple in Bisrakh. Senior Congress functionary Pitambar Sharma attended the havan as the chief guest on the occasion.
