Panchkula: A 221-foot-tall effigy of Ravan, described by organisers as the world’s longest, served as the primary attraction at Dussehra celebrations held at Shalimar Ground on Tuesday, drawing thousands of attendees from across the tricity area.The burning of the effigy, accompanied by fireworks, marked the conclusion of the event. The festival was organised jointly by the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Dussehra Committee and the Shri Adarsh Ramlila Dramatic Club. Attendees gathered to watch the effigy ignite recorded the display on mobile phones.Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s senior functionary Prem Goyal attended as chief guest. Other dignitaries present included Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma, deputy commissioner Satpal Sharma, deputy commissioner of police Aditi Singh, political secretary to the chief minister Tarun Bhandari, Panchkula mayor Shyam Lal Bansal, and Haryana Scheduled Castes Commission chairperson Banto Kataria.Haryanvi singer Tejpal performed during the event, which also featured an organised fireworks display. Shri Mata Mansa Devi Dussehra Committee general secretary Sandeep Gupta said the celebrations were intended to highlight the religious and cultural significance of the festival.Gupta added that the event symbolised “the victory of good over evil and truth over falsehood,” noting it was conducted on a large scale while honouring traditions.
