Muslim craftsmen make Ravana statues

Muslim craftsmen are giving finishing touches to the statues of Ravana.

Vadodara: Muslim craftsmen from Mathura and Agra in Uttar Pradesh are currently in Gujarat, busy giving finishing touches to the statues of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad to be burnt on Dussehra tomorrow. They visit various cities in Gujarat well in advance to ensure they complete the work on time. Each statue costs a minimum of Rs 50,000.

Sharafatali, a cratsman from Mathura, said they have been making the statues for the past many years as it is a source of livelihood. The skill of the craftsmen is not only in making the statues, but also stuffing explosives inside them. "We take special care while stuffing the explosives inside a statue to avoid any mishap. This festival gives us an opportunity to display our skills. It has no religion barriers. It is a festival of national integrity," he said. Bureau Report