UP Muslim family creates 80-feet pollution-free Ravan effigy for Dussehra

NEW DELHI: A Muslim family in Rampur has continued its long tradition of making effigies for Dussehra. This year, the family created an 80-foot-tall effigy of Ravana, marking the largest one yet.
Mumtaz Khan, the head of the family, shared that this craft has been passed down for generations. "My Dada did it, my father did it, and now my children are doing it.This work has been ongoing for 60-70 years. Although my children are involved, there is no earning in making Ravan's statues. We are just passing time," he said.
Despite financial challenges, the family has received orders from various states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. "The committee members are also not increasing the money," added Khan. "This time the biggest 80-foot effigy has been made. The rest are smaller than this which go to many districts around Moradabad."
The effigies comply with government rules regarding pollution and are checked by officials before being used.
Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of Sharada Navratri, with events such as Ramleela performances and fairs. The festival brings people together to witness the symbolic burning of Ravana's effigy.