Gorakhpur: There is such a family in Beniganj locality of the metropolis which is an example of Ganga-Jamuni culture even today. The family of Samiullah, who made the effigy of Ravana, is a unique example of Hindu-Muslim unity in Beniganj of Gorakhpur. Here, the family of Samiullah of the locality makes the effigy of Ravana for Ramlila. And makes the effigy of Meghnath. He has learned this work from his ancestors. The Ganga-Jamuni culture emerging from their work shows a glimpse of the city’s communal unity. Beniganj is one of those neighborhoods of the city where Hindu and Muslim families are in almost equal numbers, and everyone lives in harmony. Samiullah’s house is in Beniganj. Samiullah has an ancestral business of making effigies of Ravana to be burnt during Ramlila. Presently Samiullah is no more, but his son Munnu and grandson Afzal are still making effigies of Ravana and Meghnad, Ram Darbar and Ashoka for the Ramlilas held in the city. Let’s build a garden. Effigies of Ravana are made here for all the Ramleelas of the city. The effigies made by him are installed at Bird Ghats in many places of the city and reach far and wide.
It takes 15 days to make a big effigy of Ravana with 10 heads.
The festivals of Sanatan Dharma bring major happiness not only to Hindus but also to people of other sections. The same happiness is enjoyed by the family of Munnu Painter, son of Samiullah of Idgah Road, Beniganj, during Dussehra. People of this family have been making and selling effigies of Ravana every year. The price of the effigy is decided according to the height. In the country, Ravana is considered a symbol of evil. The tradition of burning the effigy of Ravana on Dussehra is years old. Munnu Painter’s family has been involved in making effigy of Ravana for five generations. Munnu and his sons tell that it takes 15 days for the family members to make a big effigy of Ravana with 10 heads.
There was so much hard work that the entire family could only make six Ravanas in two months.
Let us tell you that two months before Dussehra and Muharram, the family members are able to make only five to six Ravanas by working hard. Whose price in the market is Rs 5 to 6 thousand. It takes at least fifteen days and 12 to 16 hours of hard work for all the family members together to make one Ravana. After which an effigy of Ravana is ready. If we talk about the cost, the cost of making an effigy of Ravana ranges from Rs 3 thousand to Rs 3.5 thousand including all the materials and decorations. But for this sinful stomach, the people of this family eagerly wait for these festivals throughout the year. Not only this, if the weather shows indifference then their months of hard work also goes waste. Munnu, who made the effigy of Ravana, says that thanks to Allah and God, our artistry has been going on for many generations. We get a chance to see it to the common people. We do this work not for money but to save our ancestral heritage. And this also sends a message of brotherhood to the society.
The price of Ravana’s statue is approximately Rs 5 to 6 thousand.
Afzan, who made the effigy of Ravana, said that making effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad is our ancestral tradition. It kept being passed on from one generation to the next. Even today we make effigies for all the Ramlilas in the city. No one is ready to pay according to inflation, yet it is our tradition, so we are following it. And the price of a finished Ravana statue is around Rs 5 to 6 thousand. It takes about 15 days to make it, and all the preparations start two months in advance.
The effigy of Ravana is burnt in Urdu Bazaar of Gorakhpur, Bird Ghat Ramlila, Ramlila of Dharamshala Bazaar, Ramlila of Pipraich and Ramlila of Mansarovar. For this, an effigy of Ravana is prepared 30 to 35 feet high. Its price ranges from 5 to 6 thousand. The length of the effigy prepared for other places is less, hence the price is also a matter, these people also make Tajiya. The effigy, which will be 30.35 feet high, has three parts. There is definitely convenience in making it. It is also easy to take to the destination. The effigy is prepared by assembling it at the burning site.