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| Hindu epic's artistic opulence has Muslim's art chiseled to perfection | | | Mishu Gupta
EARLY TIMES REPORT
Jammu, Oct 12: It might not lead as a revolutionary transition while setting a perfect example of communal harmony, yet the artistic opulence that gets reflected in the making of the effigies of demon kings Ravana, Kumbhkarana and Mehgnad to celebrate a Hindu epic of win of truth over evil has the chiseling hands of Muslims of Meerut beneath who are traditional makers of these effigies since times unknown.
Every year a group of artisans coming from Meerut, UP camp at Geeta Mandir Bhawan at Jammu and expertise on their art of making effigies of Ravana Kumbhkaran and Meghnad that are consigned to flames on the eve of Dusherra amidst the chanting of hymns and praises of lord Rama.
Though having a religion almost contrasting to that of Hinduism, these Muslim artists join their Hindu brethren in making the effigies and are the only source in Jammu and Kashmir who has been making these demon kings out of paper, glue and bamboo sticks.
The artists have been preparing effigies and it is main source of their livelihood. The tallest set of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath for the celebration of Dussehra is being made for Jammu, costing Rs 1 lakh. These sets are also being prepared for Srinagar and Kishtwar, which may cost around Rs 80,000. The sets would be sent for the first time to these two places.
The same sets of different dimensions are also being prepared for Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur and Akhnoor.
On Dussehra, people enjoy the moment when the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath are consigned to flames as the towering inferno reaches great heights with bursting of loud crackers signifying the end of evil. The festival is incomplete without the work of artists who make these huge effigies. Around 40 artists from Maina Pothi village of Meerut district, UP, are preparing the effigies at Geeta Bhawan.
"I come here every year one month before Dasehra to prepare the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran and Meghnath. It is a month-long hard work. We are a group of 35-40 workers, who prepare these effigies. Out of us, 11-12 are Muslims and rest are Hindus. We work with our Hindu brothers and complete the task with unity," said Mohammad Gyasudin, a Muslim artist. These artists are preparing around 50 sets of effigies for the celebration of the festival in different parts of the state.
The artists are using silk sarees, bamboo sticks, cardboard and waste posters for making the effigies. They carry all the material for making the effigies with themselves.
This group of artists is preparing the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath for the state for the past 26 years. Mohammad Gyasudin is the third generation man who is continuing this business. His children are also learning this art alongside their studies. Officials of the Sanatan Dharam Sabha said people of all faiths participate in the Dasehra festival and the Muslim brethren making effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath is a living example of brotherhood that needs no testimony. |
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