Bhubaneswar: In several places in Odisha, Dussehra festivities end with the burning of huge effigies of the demon king Ravana with fireworks – a ritual locally known as Ravan Podi. This year, the administration in the Odisha capital has approved holding Ravan Podi events at six places in the city.
The administration has allowed Ravan Podi to be held by six Durga Puja committees, including Jharpada, Baramunda, Naharkanta, Koradakanta, Chhatabara, and Tamando.
To ensure that the event passes off without any untoward incident, adequate police and firefighting arrangements have been made at these six places, Deputy Fire Services officer Abani Swain said. He added that several restrictions have been put in place with regard to burning firecrackers during the Ravan Podi events.
In addition to the above-mentioned six places, the Ravan Podi arrangement has also been made at Daruthenga on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. Here, the organisers have made a 100-ft effigy of Ravan.
While huge crowds are expected at these Ravan Podi events, the IMD predicts rain in the city under the influence of a cyclonic storm formed in the Bay of Bengal. This may dampen the spirits of the revellers. Meanwhile, the Jharsuguda district administration had denied permission to hold the Ravan Podi celebrations this year at the Manmohan ME school playground.
