On Beniganj Idgah Road, amidst pots stained with colour and piles of bamboo and cardboard, the elderly Munnu Painter is bringing a giant effigy of Ravana to life. With a brush moving swiftly in his trembling hands, he adds the final touches as his sons, Afzal and Ahsan, work alongside him, one shaping a torso and the other adding a gleam to one of Dashanan's ten faces.

This is the scene on the afternoon of Dussehra, a day of frantic last-minute preparations for a family that has been making Ravana effigies for seven generations.

"This year, a 30-foot-high, 10-foot-wide Ravana will be burnt at Birdghat," explains Afzal, busy with his work.

Despite being unwell, Munnu Painter is dedicated to helping his sons. "The effigies must be ready and delivered to the committees by evening," he says. "Our hard work will only be considered complete when it is slain by Shri Ram's arrow on Dussehra." He notes that his ancestors followed this path, and now his sons are carrying the tradition forward, learning the craft simply by watching and doing.

This year, the family has received orders from five different locations:

- Birdghat Ramlila: A 30-foot Ravana.

- Mansarovar Ramlila: A 25-foot effigy.

- Dharamshala Bazar: A 20-foot Ravana.

- Pipraich: An effigy of a similar 20-foot stature.

- An order for a smaller Ravana from an administrative officer.

Afzal, who studied up to the eighth grade, learned the skill from his father. He explains that preparations begin three months in advance, and besides Ravana, effigies of Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are also crafted. A single effigy requires approximately 40 kg of paper, four pieces of plywood, and eight bamboo poles. The parts are transported to the grounds and assembled on-site, after which firecrackers worth Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 are fitted. The cost of making one effigy is between Rs 6,000 and Rs 7,000.

Once Dussehra is over, the family returns to their regular work of wall painting and making boards and banners. They admit that the rise of flex printing has significantly harmed their business, making the income from crafting Ravana effigies a crucial part of their annual livelihood.

Also Read: IRCTC Update: No Confirmed Tickets To Gorakhpur For Festivals; Check Puja Special Train List

The Munnu Family's Demonic Cave

Beyond the Ravanas, the family's artistic skills are on display at a Durga Puja pandal in Ramswaroop Nagar. For the Shri Shri Navratra Durga Puja Samiti, Munnu and his sons have constructed a frightening demonic cave. The entrance, shaped like the open mouth of a demon made from paper, intimidates visitors, especially children. With red lights for eyes and large, sharp teeth, people hesitate before entering. Munnu says it took them two days just to create the demon's mouth.

 Also Read: South Delhi Dussehra 2025: Guide To Eco-Friendly Ravan Dahan In Greater Kailash, Chirag Delhi