Muslim artisans from Uttar Pradesh make effigies in Shimla

At a time when Shimla and some other parts of the state are witnessing communal tension, it’s all-Muslim teams from Uttar Pradesh that are making the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna and Meghnad for the Dasehra festival in Shimla and other nearby places.

“It’s not for the first we are making these effigies in Shimla and surrounding places. We are doing this for around 20 years now,” they said while preparing the effigies at the famous Jakhoo temple in Shimla. They also make effigies in other temples of Shimla and surrounding places like Shoghi, Junga and Sunni.

The artisans said that they skipped their regular work back home and came her to make these effigies in Shimla and surrounding places. “We like coming here. The weather and the scenery here are pleasant. Besides, it’s a lot of fun to see the fireworks when the effigies are burnt,” said one of the artisans.

While the artisans were candid enough to admit that they didn’t know much about the Ramayana and the reason why these effigies were burnt, they said they enjoyed being part of the celebrations. “We join the celebrations when the effigies are burnt. It’s our job to manage the fireworks in the effigies,” said another artisan.

Asked about the recent communal tension in the capital city and the state, they refused to share their thoughts. “The authorities have asked us not to speak to mediapersons on the issue,” they said, and got busy with their work. But when the discussion veered back to their expertise in making these effigies, they merrily said that they had been doing it for a long time. “Come over tomorrow and see the effigies. People will love them and enjoy when these are burnt,” they added.