Jalandhar’s Dasehra effigies prepared by Muslim artisans from Agra

Shahid Sayyad (45), an Agra-based artisan, has been engaged in making the Dasehra effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarana and Meghnada for 25 years.

Hailing from Kiraoli town, Sayyad came here with his wife, sons and a team of 10 skilled artisans two months back to make use of the craft he acquired from his Ustaad during his teen years. Over this period, he has made 12 sets of these effigies — six in Jalandhar and six in Ferozepur.

“Religion is no barrier in the life of an artist. Also, for people like me who work hard and live hand to mouth, matters of faith take the backseat. Our priority is always to avail a chance to make good money during the festivities to sustain our families,” he says.

Sayyad adds he has sold a set of three 70-90-feet-tall effigies, for Rs 1.5 lakh, “The raw material, including frame, coloured papers and paints have all become so expensive. There is a lot of precision designing involved, which is all our hard labour”.

Sayyad says that he will go back to his place on October 2 or 3. “Back home, we sell glass bangles. My father was a hawker who sold seasonal items like roasted groundnut. But I have trained my kids in my craft. My two married sons, who are here with me, have mastered the skills needed. They too need this for additional income for their families”, he said.

There are 14 locations in Jalandhar city where this festival, marking the triumph of good over evil, is celebrated amid a gathering of thousands of people.

These include sites at Sain Dass School, Ladowali Road, Basti Sheikh, Jalandhar Cantt, Adarsh Nagar, Basti Peer Daad, Master Tara Singh Nagar, Railway quarters and Dhan Mohalla.

The tallest effigy is installed on the grounds of Sain Dass School. “The effigies that we install are usually 80-90 feet tall and are visible from a distance. We have arranged seating for around 30,000 people. Our stage is made of steel and is seven-feet-high so that everyone can see the enactment.

Early during that day, we hold a shobha yatra wherein the roles of Ram, Laxman and other characters are played by over 250 artistes.

Eleven horses lead the yatra through Lahoria Mandir in Mitha Bazaar towards the Sain Dass School via Jaggu Chowk, Bharion Bazaar, Mai Hiran Gate, Circular Road and Balmiki Gate,” Tarsem Kapur, who has been organising Dasehra festivities for the past 36 years, said.