Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran effigies prepared for the Dussehra celebration at Triveni Ghat’s Boat Ghat in Rishikesh were destroyed by fire before the scheduled programme after a short circuit during lighting tests.
The effigies had been due to burn at 7:30 AM in the evening. However, the incident occurred at 6:30 AM in the evening, when the lights installed on the structures were being tested. Fire quickly spread through all 3 effigies, and fireworks fitted to them went off as they burned.
The early fire disrupted the event preparations and left spectators disappointed. Local residents and visitors from other states had reached the ghat expecting to watch the illumination, fireworks and the traditional effigy-burning programme.
Preparations at Triveni Ghat
The Subhash Club Dussehra Committee had arranged the celebration at the Boat Ghat, continuing preparations made for the annual festival. Workers used a JCB during the morning to raise and position the 3 effigies.
After the structures were erected, colourful lights and fireworks were installed. Final preparations were underway in the evening when the lighting test reportedly triggered the short circuit and set the effigies alight.
Committee members and craftsmen who were present at the site were taken by surprise as the flames spread. The craftsmen had come from outside for the work, while committee representatives were overseeing the arrangements for the scheduled ceremony.
Spectators miss scheduled burning
The audience had gathered before the main programme to see the colourful lights and fireworks. Instead, the 3 effigies were consumed before the planned 7:30 AM burning time.
The incident meant that the central visual attraction of the celebration was over before the public programme could begin. The sudden fire also changed the atmosphere at the venue from anticipation to disappointment.
The available report identifies a short circuit during the lighting test as the cause of the premature fire. It does not provide details about any injuries, damage beyond the 3 effigies, or a subsequent decision by the committee about the rest of the programme.
Conclusion
A short circuit during evening lighting tests caused the 3 Dussehra effigies at Rishikesh’s Triveni Ghat Boat Ghat to burn about one hour before their scheduled 7:30 AM programme, disappointing spectators and surprising the organisers and craftsmen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which effigies were burned prematurely?
Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran were the 3 effigies destroyed in the fire.
Q. Where did the incident happen?
It happened at the Boat Ghat at Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh.
Q. What caused the fire?
The fire began after a short circuit during testing of the lights installed on the effigies.
Q. What time was the effigy burning scheduled?
The Subhash Club Dussehra Committee had planned the burning for 7:30 AM in the evening.
Q. When did the effigies catch fire?
They caught fire at 6:30 AM in the evening, about one hour before the scheduled programme.
Q. Who organised the celebration?
The Subhash Club Dussehra Committee organised the Dussehra arrangements.
Q. Why were spectators disappointed?
They had gathered to watch the colourful lights, fireworks and scheduled effigy-burning ceremony, but all 3 effigies burned beforehand.
