Kolkata: The City of Joy celebrated the magnificent victory of good over evil as Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad and Sanmarg hosted East India’s largest Dussehra festival at Central Park, Salt Lake. In its 13th edition, this lively event showcased the stunning burning of a towering 60-foot effigy of Ravana, accompanied by 50-foot effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhakaran, all before an enthusiastic audience of over 25,000 devotees and visitors. The festivities provided a vibrant platform for citizens to engage with Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage while reinforcing the enduring message of righteousness triumphing over evil.
The event was attended by: Sri. Sujit Bose, Minister of State for Fire; Smt. Krishna Chakraborty, Mayor of Bidhannagar; Sri. Mukesh Kumar, Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar; Sri. Mukesh Chhabra, Indian Casting Director and Filmmaker; Smt. Payel Mukherjee, Tollywood Actress; Sri. Sandeep Bhattacharya, Tollywood Actor; Sri. Pradeep Todi, IPP of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad; Sri. Lalit Beriwala, Chairman of Trust Board of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad; Sri. Amit Poddar, Secretary of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad; Sri. Ashok Todi, Managing Director of Lux Cozi & many other eminent personalities.
Speaking to the media, Sri. Sanjay Agarwal, President of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad, said, “Our mission has always been to blend devotion with community service. Through this festival, we honor the spirit of Dussehra while also using the platform to promote social initiatives, including education, healthcare, and charitable programs for the underprivileged. This is more than just a festival – it is a celebration of culture, unity, and compassion.”
On this occasion, Sri. Lalit Beriwala, Chairman of Trust Board of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad, said, “This year’s Dussehra has once again reaffirmed our belief in the power of collective celebration. The sight of thousands of people coming together at Central Park to witness the burning of Ravana is not just a ritual, but a unifying experience that binds communities through faith and culture. Along with the symbolic burning of the towering 60-foot Ravana effigy, we showcased a spectacular fire show and an array of cultural performances that left the audience spellbound. Our aim is to make this festival bigger and more meaningful every year, and to ensure that it continues to inspire future generations with the timeless message of good triumphing over evil.”
Speaking to the media, Sri. Amit Poddar, Secretary of Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad, said, “The Salt Lake Dussehra has become a symbol of Kolkata’s festive spirit and cultural pride. We were delighted to welcome thousands of families and visitors who came to experience the spectacle of Ravana Dahan. With extensive safety and seating arrangements, the evening was enjoyed in a joyful, secure, and vibrant atmosphere.”
The festivities began on October 1 with the much-awaited Ras Garba & Dandiya Night at the Bidhannagar Mela Ground, Central Park, bringing together participants to celebrate through traditional Garba and Dandiya dance forms. This lively prelude set the tone for the Dussehra celebrations, fostering an atmosphere of joy, unity, and cultural pride.