The Durga Mandal Roll at Mahuamilan organised the first-ever Ravan Dahan programme in the area on Dussehra, drawing a record crowd and adding a new attraction to the region’s 19-year-old Durga Puja celebrations.
Committee president Pratul Shah Deo set the effigy of Ravan ablaze by shooting an arrow, amid loud chants of “Jai Shri Ram” and enthusiastic participation by the gathering. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with people from surrounding areas turning up to watch the traditional spectacle.
Earlier on Vijayadashami morning, Latehar Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar visited the puja pandal with his wife and offered prayers according to traditional rituals. Committee members felicitated the officer by presenting him with a chunari. He appreciated the organisers for preserving and promoting traditional celebrations in a remote area.
The festivities also featured a traditional Jatra Mela on Dussehra, which attracted a large number of villagers from neighbouring areas. According to the organisers, the turnout was the highest recorded during the 19 years of the puja celebrations.
The celebrations concluded peacefully, with no untoward incident reported. The committee members, volunteers and police personnel worked together to manage the crowds and ensure the smooth conduct of the puja, fair and Ravan Dahan programme.
On the day after Vijayadashami, devotees bid an emotional farewell to Goddess Durga before the immersion procession was completed.
Several senior district and police officials visited the pandal on different days during the festivities, including the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, Deputy Development Commissioner, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Block Development Officer, Circle Officer and officer-in-charge of the local police station.
Committee president Pratul Shah Deo expressed gratitude to the district administration and police for their support throughout the celebrations. He also acknowledged the contributions of committee members and volunteers in making the religious and cultural events successful.