Muslim artisans crafting Dasehra effigies for 25 yrs

With Dasehra preparations in full swing, effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnath are ready to be set ablaze as part of the grand celebrations of the Dasehra festival in Karnal city on Saturday. As in the past nearly 25 years, this year, the effigy of Ravan (65 feet), Meghnath and Kumbhkaran (both 55 feet), have been crafted by a team of skilled Muslim artisans from Gangoh in Uttar Pradesh. The effigy of Ravana has a unique twist as it will emit fire from its mouth, adding excitement to the spectacle.

The team members led by Arshad have been working tirelessly for the last 45 days at the Ram Leela ground. The heads of the effigies were shifted to the Dasehra ground on Friday where a final touch is being given to the effigies.

“Earlier, my father used to come here to make effigies, and now I have been coming here for the past over 20 years. We are also making effigies for 15-20 other locations in and around the city,” said Arshad.

The committee members said that they had made all arrangements for the Dasehra programme. “People of all ages, from children to the elderly, are excited for this festival. It is important to pass on this tradition to the next generation,” said one of the organisers.

The effigies are being assembled in Sector 4, Karnal, where the main Dasehra event will take place. On October 12, the effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath will be set on fire marking the victory of good over evil in front of a large gathering.