Haryana's Panchkula to celebrate Dusshera with ‘world’s tallest’ 215-foot-tall Ravana effigy

Haryana's Panchkula will celebrate Dussehra this year with the world's tallest effigy of demon king Ravana. At a height of 215 feet, the Ravana effigy has been made with 7,000 kilograms of bamboo, 200 kilograms of gum, 600 kilograms of paper and cloth and 20 quintals of iron frame. The Ravana effigy has been designed at a cost of Rs 30 lakh.

The effigy which weighs 6,200 kg has been erected using cranes. A space of 250 feet at either side of the effigy has been left vacant.

At least 40 artisans from across the nation took five months to complete the 'tallest' effigy. Its creator is Tejinder Singh Chauhan, president of Shri Ram Lila Club, who is famous for creating 'tallest effigies' annually for Dusshera festival in nearby town Barara. The effigy's location was shifted to Panchkula this year after authorities refused permission due to paucity of land large enough for safe celebrations.

In the past, Chauhan's Ravana effigies have made it to Limca Book of Records at least five times. Starting from 1987 from a 20 feet effigy, Chauhan has been adding a few feet annually to create 'tallest effigies'. It was 171-feet in 2008, 175-feet in 2009, 195 in 2012 and 210 feet in 2015 and 2016. This year it's 215.