Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad Effigies: A Four-Generation Legacy in Yamunanagar

As Dussehra approaches, artisans are working hard to prepare the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad for the festival. In Yamunanagar, Haryana, the Manchanda family has been carrying on this traditional craft for four generations at the Sanatan Dharam Mandir.
 

Mahinder Manchanda, who represents the family’s fourth generation in the profession, said the preparations had been underway for nearly a month and were now in their final stage. His son has also joined the work, helping to keep the family tradition alive.
 

The process begins with a ceremonial puja, Mahinder said. Prayers are also performed when the effigies are installed at the ground and again before they are set on fire during the Dussehra celebrations.
 

Despite being part of the tradition for years, Mahinder said he feels sad when the effigies are burned. After spending an entire month making them, the structures are reduced to ashes within moments of being set alight.
 

He added that rising inflation over the past few years has significantly increased the cost of materials used in making the effigies. Items such as cloth, thread and ropes cannot be reused, and their rising prices have directly affected the cost of production.
 

Members of the Manchanda family are currently focused on completing the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad. As the festival draws closer, the pace of work has increased.
 

The family’s efforts reflect a tradition passed down through four generations, even as rising material costs make the work increasingly challenging.