Preparation of Ravana Effigies going full tilt for Dussehra

By Pallavi Soni
AMRITSAR: The Dussehra festival that marks the victory of good over evil is around the corner and preparation of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran effigies are going on its full tilt. Effigy makers have made an eye catching Ravana's of different sizes ,shapes and colors.

A month of artisans extreme hard work in preparing the effigies are now seen ,as an array of effigies could be found in abundance at various city markets.

Effigies of different sizes and colors were on display at Maha Singh Gate, Passiyan Wala Bazar Shivala Bhaiyan and Lohgarh gate, with artisans giving a final touch up to effigies.

To attract the customers, artisans have kept ready colorful effigies by the roadside.

Besides, locals who have joined the effigy making business who are otherwise is vegetable and fruit vendors, more than 13 artisans have arrived here from Uttar Pradesh for making huge effigies.

In amidst of celebrations, artisans rued that cost of materials used for making effigies have rose up, thereby they have started making effigies of smaller sizes to attract customers."As compared to last year, the cost of raw materials used in making effigies have increased up.Cost of Bamboos, ropes, papers ,color have rose up to around 20% " said Joginder Pal, a city based artisan.He added effigies are made from one to ten feet tall.The small effigies are available for Rs 400 to Rs 2,000 depending on material used in them.Nonetheless, there are few organizations that remain unaffected by rise prices and have placed the orders for huge effigies of Ravana for celebrations.

"The huge effigies are being made only on orders. We have received order of making 50 to 60 feet high effigies. Such an effigies cost between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 Lakh " added Joginder Pal.

While markets donned a vibrant look ,an eye- catching effigies of Ravana are on display in ahead of Dussehra festival.