The skies over Salt Lake lit up on Thursday evening as a towering 60-foot Ravana effigy went up in flames, marking the grand finale of East India’s biggest Dussehra celebration
Organised by Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad and Sanmarg, the 13th edition of the annual festival at Central Park drew a crowd of more than 25,000 people, who cheered on as effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakaran were set alight in the traditional ritual symbolising the triumph of good over evil
The festivities were graced by dignitaries, including Sujit Bose, minister of State for Fire, Krishna Chakraborty, mayor of Bidhannagar, Mukesh Kumar, commissioner of Police, and film personalities
The evening featured a dazzling fire show and cultural performances, giving the audience an immersive experience
The celebrations had begun a day earlier with a Ras Garba and Dandiya Night at the Vidhan Nagar Mela Ground, which set a festive tone ahead of the grand spectacle at Central Park
With robust safety arrangements and extensive seating, the organisers said the event highlighted Kolkata’s cultural pride while reaffirming the timeless message of good triumphing over evil