On Dussehra eve,Ravan prepares for death,Bharat joins his team

Sharma who plays the portly Ravan,was the first to get ready backstage at the Ramlila grounds on Wednesday. “Today it is all preparations and tomorrow is my death,” he says.

Near Sharma,a member of his battle-ready camp of asuras (demons) is trying hard to get into the character after suddenly having to switch loyalties.

“I was playing Bharat until now,but there was a vacancy in Ravan’s team and since Bharat doesn’t really have many scenes,I have been asked to join Ravan’s team today,” Akash Misra,the young actor playing the role says coyly.

Meanwhile,the usual backstage chaos is on; a mace has gone missing,Sita who has been dressing since the afternoon is yet to tie her hair. Outside the stage,preparations for Ravandahan (slaying of Ravan) were on in full swing and workers,with cranes and ropes,attempted to erect the effigies of the 10-headed king.

The figures of Ravan,Kumbhakaran and Meghnaad,assembled in the ground itself by artists,were erected by six in the evening and the team responsible for the effigy-burning had been briefed about the explosive-related protocol by police officials.

“The loading of the effigies with crackers will take place on Thursday morning and will be done in the presence of police. The effigies should be ready before noon and the area around them will be cordoned off,” said Rakesh Khanna,Secretary General of the Ramlila Committee,as he surveyed arrangements at the ground.

The Ramlila procession will start from Chandni Chowk at four in the evening and is to reach the ground by five-thirty. Dignitaries expected include Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and other members of the Gandhi family including Rahul and Priyanka,the organisers said. Nearly 2 lakh spectators are also expected to witness the spectacle.

Police personnel,including the bomb squad,were present in full force at the Maidan on Thursday evening to prepare it for the arrival of VIPs on Wednesday. Private security guards hired by the Ramlila committee were also present along with several volunteers.

On Thursday,entry to the maidan will be through the Ajmeri Gate entrance for the general public starting four in the evening. Pass-holders will be allowed in through the side gates while VIP’s including the PM will enter from Turkman Gate.