Muslims design effigies of Ravana, convey a message of communal amity

Haldwani (Uttarakhand), Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh), Sep 24(ANI):Muslims in Moradabad and Haldwani are busy these days making effigies of the demon king Ravana that would be burnt on during the Dussehra festival.

The effigies of Ravana and his folks are traditionally set ablaze on Dussehra to mark the victory of good over evil.

"We do not care about the differences between Hindus and Muslims in the country. By making these effigies we want to convey the message of communal amity. We being Muslims are making effigies of Ravana and will continue this for years," said Shamshad Ali, an effigy maker.

The effigies of Ravana and his folks are generally mounted on bamboo structure with heads carved out designed with clay or paper. The frame is then covered with cloth and paper so that the effigies catch fire easily.

While workers in Haldwani are giving final touches to the effigies, the workers in Moradabad are also gearing up for the day.

Babu Khan, who has been in this business for the last four decades, said that despite of the objections raised by the neighbourhood people, he has been making these effigies.

"I have been making effigies for the last forty years, I do this for my livelihood. We do not care about the Hindu and Muslim fights. There are people who sometimes object, but we do this work to feed our stomach," Babu Khan said. (ANI)