Muslim Family in Rampur Crafts Largest Ravana Effigy Amidst Tradition and Challenges

A family in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, has been deeply involved in the crafting of Ravana effigies for Dussehra celebrations for the past 60 to 70 years, despite facing financial constraints and low economic returns. This year, they have taken their craftsmanship to new heights, literally, by producing an 80-foot Ravana effigy, which is the largest they have ever made.

Mumtaz Khan, the head of the family, detailed how the craft has been passed down through generations. “My grandfather did it, my father did it, and now my children are continuing the tradition,” Mumtaz Khan explained. Despite financial hardships, Khan noted, “There is no earning in making Ravana’s statues. We are just passing time.”

The family has continued receiving orders from various states, including Haryana and Punjab, as they prepare effigies for multiple districts surrounding Moradabad. However, Khan expressed some concerns over the stagnant payments, stating, “The committee members are also not increasing the money.”

In adherence to regulations, the effigies are crafted with attention to pollution control standards set by the government and are subjected to inspections by officials to ensure compliance. The tradition ties into the broader Dussehra celebrations, which mark the tenth day of the Sharada Navratri and attract gatherings for symbolic effigy burnings, accompanied by Ramleela performances and community fairs.

While Rampur’s family focuses on tradition and cultural continuity, a separate event in Delhi claims to have set a new national record. The Sri Ram Lila Society in Dwarka has erected what they claim to be the tallest Ravana effigy in India, towering at 211 feet. The construction of this structure took about four months and involved selecting talent from auditions held for over 400 artists across Delhi NCR.

Rajesh Gehlot, Chairman of the organizing committee, explained, “As we can see, sin is increasing in the society so this effigy is depicting the increasing sins and we will burn them all on Dussehra.” The committee has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders to attend the unveiling.

The decorations and themes for the event draw inspiration from the Ram Mandir temple in Ayodhya. Security for the festival has been heightened, with over 50 Delhi Police personnel, 200 volunteers, and more than 100 civil officers deployed to ensure safety.

Dussehra, celebrated on October 12 this year, is also known as Vijaya Dashami and signifies the victory of good over evil, commemorating Lord Ram‘s triumph over Ravana. The mythological history, nuanced by Ravana’s ten heads, each symbolizing different vices, forms the cultural backbone of the festivities, celebrated nationwide through the burning of effigies.