Steel Giant or Ravana? 215-Foot Effigy Sets New Record in Kota

New Delhi (Uttam Hindu News): Kota, known as the Coaching City, is set to set a new record this Dussehra. A 215-foot-tall effigy of Ravana is being constructed here for the National Dussehra Fair. It will not only be the tallest effigy in the country, but will also be lit using modern technology—a remote control—for the first time.

Artisan Tejendra Chauhan and his team from Ambala, Haryana, have been working on finalizing this colossal statue for the past four months. Weighing approximately 12 tons, 9,500 kilograms of iron were used to construct the statue. The face alone weighs 300 kilograms. Ravana's 60-foot-high crown, 50-foot-long sword, and 40-foot-long shoes make it even more magnificent. Along with Ravana, 60-foot-tall effigies of Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are also being prepared.

To erect this massive effigy, a 6-foot-deep and 25-foot-wide concrete foundation has been built. It will be erected in just three hours with the help of two cranes and over 100 workers. To make the burning special, sensors have been installed at 20 locations on the effigy. As soon as a remote button is pressed, the sensors will first set off Ravana's umbrella, then his crown, and finally, the entire effigy ablaze with special fireworks and firecrackers. This entire spectacle will last approximately 20 minutes.

This year, the venue for Ravana Dahan has also been changed. Instead of Vijayshree Theatre, it will be in front of the Kishorpura police station. Although the effigy will not have any technical movements (eye movements or sword swinging), LED lights and spectacular fireworks will make it even more spectacular. Organizers claim that this Dussehra will be a historic and memorable experience not only for Kota, but for the entire country.