Rain will not dampen Dussehra celebrations today: Weathermen

NAGPUR: The sudden downpour on Monday afternoon caused panic among members of Sanatan Dharam Yuvak Sabha as the effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnad and brother Kumbhakaran at Kasturchand Park got drenched, a day before they are to be set ablaze on the occasion of Dussehra.
But there’s some good news for the over one lakh enthusiasts who are expected to gather at Kasturchand Park to watch the demon king and his kin go up in flames on Tuesday.The India Meteorological Department has predicted only 25% likelihood of rain. “There could be a light drizzle around 7pm on Tuesday, but there will be no rain in the morning,” weathermen told TOI.
On Monday, the city received heavy showers in some areas, but the weather observatory at airport did not record any rainfall.
“Five years ago, it had rained on Dussehra day and the effigies got soaked and fell. We had to lift them up with a crane,” said Vijay Kher, chairman of the 65-year-old Dussehra committee. “Following heavy showers and strong winds on Monday, the effigies, though soaked, stood tall. The 60ft tall effigy of Ravana, 55ft of Meghnad and 45ft of Kumbhakaran have been secured to the ground with heavy metal cables. There should be no problem in setting them ablaze as they are stuffed with dry grass. Besides, gun powder will also be placed inside them on the final day.”
This year, a team from Mumbai has helped put up a spectacular show of ‘Lanka dahan’. “With the help of hydraulic jacks, Hanuman will be raised to the level of Ravana, who will be seated on a throne. Pyro techniques will be used to depict scenes of Lanka burning,” Kher said.
Another 35ft-tall effigy of Ravana will be burned at Tilak Nagar ground at 5pm on Tuesday.
Shastra Puja is also performed on Dussehra, where people worship weapons, tools and farming implements, cattle and beasts of burden. “We all work for success. So, whatever we use in our work is worshipped on this day,” said Kapil Chandrayan, a student of scriptures and astrology.