In Sector 15, Gurugram’s Ravana makers shape Dussehra by hand

Brightly painted Ravana faces lie on the ground beside bamboo frames at roadside workshops in Gurugram’s Sector 15, where makers are preparing for Dussehra.

The work moves piece by piece: bamboo becomes the frame, paper and cardboard cover the body, and painted eyes, moustaches, teeth and crowns give each effigy its final shape. Some makers work on the craft seasonally, while for others it is an annual family business.

Vinod’s family has made Ravana effigies since his great-grandfather’s time. This season, his wife, two daughters and son are helping: one pastes paper onto the legs, another builds an arm from bamboo, while his son paints the faces.

Sonu, a cab driver staying in Gurugram to earn during the festive period, joined an effigy-maker’s workshop and completed his first Ravana. “I might earn a buck or two extra here,” he said.