For six decades, Malout family keeps Dussehra effigy tradition alive

For nearly six decades, a single family, originally from Malout, has kept alive the tradition of making Dussehra effigies in this part of the Malwa region of Punjab and in some neighbouring districts of Rajasthan.

Septuagenarian Pawan Kumar, a craftsman from Malout who has been in the profession for almost 30 years, said, “It is only our extended family that makes effigies in this belt. This work requires experience and precision, so we keep it within the family. Some of us have shifted to other towns, such as Muktsar, but we don’t hire outsiders. Our work lasts just a month each year. My father entered this profession about six decades ago, and now the craft has passed onto the third generation.”

He added that the family would earn around Rs 1.5 lakh this year for three effigies, which includes the cost of raw materials such as bamboo, cloth, rope, and paper. “The firecrackers are not included in our charges,” he said.

He further said that this year, they were preparing effigies for Abohar, Malout, Muktsar, Hanumangarh, Bhadra, Rawatsar, Tibbi, Karanpur, and Nihalkhera village in Fazilka district. “We used to make effigies in Sirsa (Haryana) and Pilibanga (Rajasthan) as well, but this year the Dussehra committees there approached us late,” said Pawan.

Pawan’s son Monu said, “Most of us are otherwise mechanics, tailors or run fast food stalls. Migrant workers are entering the trade, but no one here knows the technique like our family. It requires both skill and hard work. This year, our family is also making a 45-ft tall effigy of Ravana in Abohar. A group of 4-5 of us works day and night for 10-12 days to complete each effigy. Our charges also include crane service to erect the effigies.”