Patna: The festival of Vijayadashami was celebrated with great fervor across Bihar, with a grand Ravana Dahan event held at Patna's historic Gandhi Maidan. Dignitaries including Governor Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain, Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Chaudhary, and Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav were present.

The event commenced with a tableau of Lord Shri Ram arriving at Gandhi Maidan, drawing a massive crowd. Accompanying the tableau, the 'Vaanar Sena' (monkey army) also entered the ground, filling the atmosphere with chants of 'Jai Shri Ram'. Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary symbolically slayed Ravana by shooting an arrow from a bow. Subsequently, giant effigies of Ravana (90 feet), Kumbhkaran (80 feet), and Meghnad (85 feet) were set ablaze.

During the effigy burning, Ravana's eyes emitted sparks, his mouth spewed flames, and colorful smoke billowed from his ears and shoulders, captivating the audience. Light and sound effects were used to depict Ravana's thunderous laughter. Organized by the 'Shri Dussehra Committee Trust', the event also featured a symbolic burning of Lanka by Lord Hanuman. As the effigies burned, the sky above Gandhi Maidan lit up with vibrant fireworks, creating an atmosphere of excitement and joy among the spectators.

The district administration had made extensive security arrangements for the Dussehra fair and Ravana Dahan program. Separate viewing galleries and barricading were provided for the convenience of the audience. Police and district administration remained vigilant for security and crowd management. Twelve large fire tenders and over 50 security personnel were deployed, with the SDRF team also on standby. This Vijayadashami celebration created an atmosphere of festivity and religious devotion in Patna.