Jamshedpur, Oct. 19: Come Dussehra 2008 and the grandeur of the Ravan Putla Dahan show opposite the Ram Mandir ground at Sonari is set to increase manifold.

Alongside Ravan’s effigy, the organising committee has decided to set on fire the statues of Meghnad and Kumbhakarna.

“It would be a greater celebration if we involve all grey characters to show the victory of good over evil,” said Narottam Das, the president of the Ravan Dahan Samiti. The date has become an annual affair for the organising committee members since 1980.

After finishing their Durga Puja assignments, a group of artistes has been lending last-minute touches to the 35ft effigy of Ravana to finish their work on time.

A mixture of fevicol and distemper on the bamboo framework of the huge structure was being applied.

“Fevicol is mixed with distemper so that the coat of paint dries up fast,” said Gurudev Singh, who was giving guidance to the artistes.

What makes this year’s effigy different from the rest is the concrete structure being made unlike the paper faces made in previous years .

“We thought of making it a bit short as the leaping flames endanger the spectators’ lives,” said Narottam Das, the president of the samiti.

The artistes were giving final shape to the 10 heads of Ravan. Thereafter, the body would be given a concrete shape and painted pink.

“A lot of costume jewellery would also be used to lend a majestic look to the mighty character,” added Das.

The most significant aspect of Ram Lila is the level of interest it still commands among the spectators.

The organising committee spends almost Rs 1.5 lakh on this event every year.