A dramatic explosion during the burning of a Ravana effigy at a Dussehra celebration on Saturday has gone viral, with some comparing the blast to a “nuclear test.” The video, widely circulated on social media, captured the towering effigy erupting in an unexpectedly powerful explosion, creating a mushroom cloud effect that left onlookers stunned.
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, is a major Hindu festival celebrating the victory of good over evil, with the burning of effigies of the demon king Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghnath as a key tradition. This symbolic act represents Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana.
Dussehra❌ Nuclear test✅ pic.twitter.com/77UwOboZ72
— 𝐾𝑢𝑠ℎ𝕏ᡣ𐭩 (@aryansingh2466) October 13, 2024
In the viral video, crowds eagerly awaited the customary Ravana Dahan. As the effigy was lit, however, the blaze rapidly turned into a massive explosion, causing a mushroom-like cloud to shoot into the sky, drawing immediate comparisons to a nuclear blast. The unexpected intensity of the explosion led to panic, with many in the crowd scrambling for cover.
રાવણ દહન સાથે ન્યુક્લિયર બોમ્બ નું ટેસ્ટિંગ પણ કરી લીધું pic.twitter.com/gTF2ahauHb
— Divu Ahir (@Divuahirr) October 14, 2024
Social media users were quick to respond, with one person commenting, “Nuclear test,” while another remarked, “Nuclear bomb testing was also done with Ravana Dahan.”
In Patna, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar led the traditional Ravana Dahan ceremony at Gandhi Maidan, where an 80-foot effigy of Ravana was set aflame. The event was attended by notable figures, including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
#WATCH | Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and Dy CM Samrat Choudhary attend #DussehraCelebration at Gandhi Maidan in Patna pic.twitter.com/nqk833V4Wt
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2024
As part of the ceremony, Nitish Kumar ignited the Ravana effigy with a symbolic arrow, setting off the fiery spectacle, which also included the burning of 75-foot and 70-foot effigies of Meghnath and Kumbhakarna, respectively. Prior to the Ravana Dahan, the Chief Minister and the Governor performed an aarti of Lord Ram. The event attracted a massive crowd, with an estimated 100,000 people gathering at Gandhi Maidan to witness the grand display.
