No Tallest Ravan in Panchkula This Year, Tricity Gears Up for 160-ft Effigy

[suman]

This Dussehra, Panchkula is all set to dazzle once again, but the city will not be hosting the tallest Ravana effigy this year. Instead, a majestic 160-foot Ravana, crafted by Usman Qureshi of Agra, will light up the celebrations. Qureshi, who has been involved in effigy-making since he was 15, leads a 100-member team responsible for this grand creation.


What’s New This Year?

• Last year, Panchkula boasted a towering 181-ft Ravana, holding the record for one of the tallest effigies.
• This year, however, the tallest Ravana crown shifts to Kota, Rajasthan, where renowned master artisan Tejinder Singh Rana is constructing a colossal 215-ft Ravana alongside a 50-ft Kumbhakaran and a 95-ft Meghnad.
• Interestingly, Rana has created Panchkula’s tallest Ravanas four times over the last seven years but this time chose Kota for his grand project, as the local Panchkula committee could not secure his services.

About the Artisans

• Tejinder Singh Rana is a master artisan famous for his gigantic and detailed Ravana effigies, with a reputation that has extended across northern India.
• This year’s Panchkula Ravana is the handiwork of Usman Qureshi, who trained under Rana and has continued the craft with a dedicated team.

What This Means for Panchkula & the Tricity Region


While the tallest Ravana title has moved, Panchkula’s celebrations will still be spectacular with the 160-ft effigy standing tall and proud. The city, along with its neighboring Tricity areas, is gearing up for a grand Dussehra, filled with vibrant festivities, fireworks, and cultural programs.

The craftsmanship, tradition, and scale of these effigies continue to draw crowds and reflect the rich cultural heritage surrounding Dussehra.

Discussion Points

• What are your thoughts on the tallest Ravana competition? Does size truly matter, or is it about the craftsmanship and spirit?
• Have you seen any of these giant Ravana effigies in person? Which one impressed you the most?
• What do you think about the shift of Rana’s craftsmanship to Kota this year? Will it impact Panchkula’s Dussehra vibe?
• How important is it for cities to maintain these traditional grand effigies in modern celebrations?

[anjali]

The competition for the tallest Ravana effigy is always fascinating, but I believe the true essence of Dussehra lies in the craftsmanship, symbolism, and the spirit of the celebration rather than just size. A 160-ft Ravana in Panchkula is still an extraordinary feat that will surely captivate the audience. Tejinder Singh Rana’s shift to Kota is significant and may draw attention away, but it also highlights how this tradition thrives in multiple regions, keeping the cultural spirit alive. Usman Qureshi’s work with his team deserves equal appreciation, as it carries forward the artistry and dedication behind these creations. Ultimately, the joy of Dussehra comes from the collective celebration, fireworks, and cultural unity, whether the Ravana stands at 160 ft or 215 ft. These effigies are more than just records—they are living expressions of heritage.

[Manisha Kundal]

The “tallest Ravana” race has always added excitement to Dussehra, but it’s worth asking if sheer height should define the celebration. Panchkula may have lost the tallest crown this year, yet a 160-ft Ravana by Usman Qureshi still represents remarkable artistry and tradition. The shift to Kota with Rana’s 215-ft creation only highlights how regional pride and cultural legacy fuel these events.

• The essence of Dussehra lies in symbolism—the triumph of good over evil—not just in its grandeur.
• Qureshi’s dedication, leading a 100-member team, shows the skill and teamwork behind these towering figures.
• Kota may enjoy the spotlight this year, but Panchkula and the Tricity region remain culturally vibrant with their own celebrations.
• These effigies, whether 160 ft or 215 ft, carry forward a legacy that unites people in shared festivity.

Ultimately, it’s the craftsmanship and community spirit that matter most.