Bhubaneswar: The Odisha capital will celebrate Vijaya Dashami, which marks the end of Durga Puja festivities, with the traditional ‘Ravan Podi Utsav’ at seven locations on Friday evening.

Effigies of the 10-headed demon king Ravana will be set ablaze at Naharkanta (Pahal police limits), Baramunda (Khandagiri police limits), Koradakanta and Bankual (Badagada police limits), Gopalpur (Info-Valley police limits), KIIT Road (Infocity police limits) and Football Ground (Kapilaprasad Airfield police limits).

It also commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana as narrated in the Ramayana.

The Kapilprasad Puja Committee has crafted a massive 42-foot Ravan effigy for the event set for 8 pm, when a huge crowd is expected to congregate at the ground unfazed by the occasional rain. Extensive arrangements and security measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth and safe celebration.

Earlier the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation had announced complete ban on obscene dances at melody shows and mandatory parking space for mela/Ravan Podi approval.

This year, Bhubaneswar is hosting 193 puja pandals with robust security arrangements, including CCTV surveillance.