Muslim Family in Rampur Crafts Record-Breaking 80-Foot Ravana Effigy for Dussehra
In Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, a Muslim family has been crafting effigies for the Dussehra festival for generations. This year, they created an 80-foot-tall effigy of Ravana, the largest ever made. Mumtaz Khan, the family head, shared that this tradition has been passed down from his grandfather to his father, and now to his children. Despite the lack of financial gain, the family continues this work as a way to pass time.
Mumtaz Khan explained that while he used to make four statues, he now creates them in various locations including Ramsingh, Milak, Radhagamod, and Jwalanagar. The effigies are crafted using pollution-free gunpowder, adhering to government regulations, and are inspected by officials before being used.
This year, the family received orders for effigies from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. However, due to inflation, there is a trend towards smaller, more affordable effigies. Dussehra, celebrated on the tenth day of Sharada Navratri, is marked by Ramleela performances, fairs, and the burning of Ravana effigies, bringing people together across India.
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Rampur -: Rampur is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage.
Effigy -: An effigy is a large model or representation of a person, often made to be burned during festivals or protests. In this context, it is a model of Ravana, a character from the Ramayana.
Ravana -: Ravana is a character from the Indian epic Ramayana. He is the demon king of Lanka and is known for his ten heads. He is often depicted as the villain in the story.
Dussehra -: Dussehra is a Hindu festival celebrated in India, marking the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. It involves various festivities, including the burning of Ravana effigies.
Sharada Navratri -: Sharada Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. It usually occurs in the autumn and ends with the celebration of Dussehra.
Ramleela -: Ramleela is a traditional performance of the Ramayana, depicting the life of Lord Rama. It is often performed during the Dussehra festival and includes music, dance, and drama.
Inflation -: Inflation is the increase in prices of goods and services over time, which reduces the purchasing power of money. It means things become more expensive, and people can buy less with the same amount of money.