Muslim craftsmen make effigy of Ravana in Varanasi

Varanasi, Oct.16 (ANI): Ahead of the Dussera festival, artisans belonging to the Muslim community are preparing a giant effigy of Ravana in Varanasi.

Along with, Ravana, gigantic effigies of his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnath are also created and burnt to culminate the ten-day Dussera festival.

Craftsmen said over 60 to 80 feet effigies of Ravana and his family members are being made and about one lakh rupees are spent.

"Here we have created 80 feet effigy of Ravana, 70 feet tall Meghnath (Ravana's son) and Kumbhkarna (Ravana's brother) of 60 feet. The cost in making these is about one lakh rupees," said Sajjad Khan, a craftsman.

Labourers working on the effigies said that they are working on these gigantic structures since a month.

"We don't consider religion as a barrier in offering our services. It is an occasion of communal harmony and we are very excited to contribute by making these effigies and despite being Muslims do the work of Hindus," said Mushtaq Ahmed, a craftsman. By Girish Kumar Dubey (ANI)