New Delhi: For many generations, A Muslim family in Rampur has created the largest effigy of Ravana for Dussehra, measuring 80 feet. Mumtaz Khan, the head of the family that has been making effigies of Ravan for generations, said that it is Dada Ilahi’s work. His grandfather, his father and now their children are doing this work.
“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. I’ve worked hard to produce statues in Murdabad, Aghbanpur, Fatehpur, Ramana, and Hapur. While I used to make four statues, I now create them in Ramsingh, Milak, Radhagamod, and Jwalanagar,” he told ANI.
“The committee members are also not increasing the money. This time the biggest 80-foot effigy has been made. The rest are smaller than this which go to many districts around Moradabad. The gunpowder used in this is pollution-free as per the government rules. It is licensed. All the big officials check it before leaving,” he added.
The family has received orders from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana as well as Punjab. This year’s impressive effigy has set a new record for the largest one yet. However, due to the rising costs of inflation, there’s a growing trend towards opting for smaller, more affordable effigies.