CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Dussehra Buzz At Jaipur’s Ravan Mandi, Effigies Up To 40 Feet
Jaipur. Preparations for the Dussehra festival have gathered pace in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. The city’s famous Ravan Mandi is witnessing brisk activity as buyers arrive to purchase Ravan effigies of different sizes. Artisans have prepared effigies ranging from one foot to 40 feet in height. Prices start at Rs 300 and go up to Rs 35,000. With options available in different sizes and budgets, the market is catering to small household celebrations as well as large events.
Demand ranges from small effigies to giant Ravans. Effigies of various sizes have been displayed at Ravan Mandi. Smaller effigies are being bought for Dussehra events in homes and limited spaces, while larger effigies are in demand for public programmes and community gatherings. Prices are decided on the basis of size, the material used in construction and the labour involved. Artisans spend several days creating the frame of the effigies with bamboo, paper and other materials. They are then given an attractive appearance with colourful paper, cloth and decorative material. Larger effigies require more material, time and labour, which is why they cost more.
For artisans, the festival is an important opportunity to earn income. The sale of Ravan effigies ahead of Dussehra becomes a significant source of earnings for them. As the festival approaches, footfall increases and so does the pressure to complete orders for effigies of different sizes. The lower price of small effigies makes them accessible to ordinary families, while larger effigies are prepared according to the budgets of organisers and the requirements of their events.
Rain and weather-related challenges also play an important role in making and preserving the effigies. If it rains, there is a risk of damage to the paper and decorative materials. In such conditions, artisans have to take extra care to keep the finished effigies dry and ensure they remain safe until sale. The bustle at Ravan Mandi also reflects the cultural and traditional significance of Dussehra. On the occasion of the festival, Ravan Dahan, or the burning of Ravan’s effigy, is considered a symbol of the victory of good over evil. The variety of effigies and prices in Jaipur’s market remains an important part of the festival preparations.
Hashtags: #NationalIndia #Bhopal #Jaipur #Dussehra #RavanMandi #RavanEffigies #Rajasthan #RavanDahan #Artisans #FestivalPreparations
