Effigies of Ravana dot Patiala on eve of Dasehra

On the eve of Dasehra, Safabadi Gate, which is located in the heart of the city, has become a focal point for festive activities. The streets near Atma Ram Kumar Sabha Senior Secondary School are bustling with the vibrant display of effigies of the demon king, Ravan.

What began as a modest tradition nearly 25 years ago has now flourished into a booming business, with these effigies being sold not only within the city but across the state and neighbouring regions.

A local trader, Dheeraj Kumar, says the cost of Ravana’s effigies ranges from Rs 100 to Rs 50,000, attributing the growth of the trade to the rise of urban housing societies. He said many people from high-income groups were steering clear of traditional ‘mela’ venues due to concerns over safety related to women and children, and pollution.

Another trader, Satish Kumar, said around 50 families in the area were involved in making these effigies. He recalls the efforts of his elder brother, Santosh Kumar, who crafted the first effigy nearly 28 years ago, initially struggling to find buyers for three years. In 1997, however, they sold their first effigy for Rs 1500, marking a turning point in their business.

Tarsem Kumar reflects on how a venture that started as a way to earn extra income has now evolved into a significant enterprise. In addition to serving customers from Punjab, they now serve clients from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Delhi. Many pilgrims visiting the Kali Devi temple also make it a point to purchase the miniature Ravana effigies.

Interestingly, the pandemic has further boosted the effigy trade, with many now avoiding large, crowded mela sites — especially families with children — and instead turning to local artisans at Safabadi Gate to celebrate the festival.

Vinay Kumar, a resident of the Topkhana road, visited one such shop with her son to buy a miniature Ravana effigy, which her son planned to use for a celebration with his friends in the neighbourhood.

Another city resident, Gurkirat Singh, suggests that the government should support these artisans and encourage them to create eco-friendly effigy alternatives, highlighting the need to balance environmental concerns with preserving the livelihoods of these skilled craftsmen.