A tale of 4 generations promoting communal harmony on Dasehra

Having learnt craft of making effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna with bamboo from his late father Nathi Ram, Ramesh Kumar of Dhuri is passing on his expertise to his son Dheeraj and grandson Anshuman.

At present, fourth generation of this family is preparing orders received from several parts of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh for Dasehra.

“I was barely 10-year old when I started making effigies under the guidance of my father who worked with the Railways,” said Ramesh, adding that his father had prepared several tableau for his department.

He said the cost of installing a big effigy has gone up rapidly due to hike in labour, transportation and material charges.

“Four decades ago, a medium effigy used to cost around Rs 500. Now, its priced between Rs 50,000 and Rs 80,000,” said Ramesh, adding that an average effigy costs Rs 1,500 per feet.

He said effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna were example of communal harmony and national integration. “Components, including bamboo, paper and crackers are sourced from different states. Members of the Muslim and Sikh communities have been helping us irrespective of their religion,” said Ramesh.

Anshuman said, “We are glad that our grandparents have worked to perpetuate the craftsmanship of transforming bamboo and paper into effigies for more than four decades.”

He said he had been working to blend the old experience with digital art to present something unique. Cost effectiveness, eloquence and safety of spectators were cited as equally important areas of focus.