In the culturally vibrant and festival-loving city of Vadodara, one of the most cherished Dussehra traditions unfolds annually at the historic Polo Ground. For the past 42 years, the NICA or Uttar Bharatiya Sanskriti Sangh has preserved and celebrated the timeless legacy of the Ramayana through its grand staging of Ramlila and the spectacular Ravana Dahan ceremony. Since 1981, this event has remained a symbol of the triumph of righteousness over evil, connecting generations of citizens to India’s rich epic traditions.
Every year, the celebrations once again promise to be larger than life. A towering 50 foot effigy of Ravana, accompanied by 40 foot effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhakarna, has been meticulously crafted using traditional materials such as bamboo, wooden frames, ropes, cloth, paper, and decorative fabrics. Prepared in three separate sections, these colossal structures represent not only artistic excellence but also a living continuation of a craft tradition passed down through generations.
Adding to the historical significance of the event is the remarkable dedication of the artisans from Agra, who have been travelling to Vadodara for over four decades. Every year, a team of nearly 22 craftsmen would complete the massive effigies within the span of just one month. Their enduring association with Vadodara has transformed the annual construction of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna into a cultural tradition in its own right, embodying the continuity of India’s folk and festive arts.
On the auspicious day of Navami, these giant effigies are erected at Polo Ground with the help of cranes, standing as imposing reminders of the forces ultimately defeated by virtue and justice in the epic Ramayana. As dusk descends on Dussehra evening, the symbolic destruction of Ravana will recreate a moment that has resonated across the Indian subcontinent for centuries: the victory of Lord Rama and the eternal triumph of dharma over adharma.
The Polo Ground celebration is unique within Vadodara. It remains the city’s only long-standing venue where both Ramlila performances and Ravana Dahan are organized on such a grand scale year after year. The event regularly attracts an estimated two lakh spectators, transforming the grounds into a vibrant gathering that reflects the city’s shared cultural identity and collective memory.
Through vivid performances, traditional costumes, and dramatic storytelling, artist brings one of the India’s greatest epics to life, captivating audiences of all ages and ensuring that the values embedded in the story continue to inspire future generations.
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