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Key Points

Bhopal's effigy makers are busy preparing Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad figures for Dussehra celebrations. These artisans have invested significant amounts hoping to recover from last year's rain-related losses. They face slim profit margins with 10-foot effigies selling for just ₹5,000. Despite current weak demand, they remain hopeful for better sales during this important festival marking Lord Rama's victory over evil.

Key Points: Bhopal Effigy Makers Hope for Better Dussehra Sales This Year

  • Artisans invest ₹25,000-30,000 in materials hoping for ₹1 lakh in good seasons
  • 10-foot Ravana effigies sell for ₹5,000 with only ₹1,000 profit margin
  • Unseasonal rains damage paper effigies and drastically reduce customer demand
  • Prices have halved from ₹10,000 to ₹5,000 just to recover making costs
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Effigy Makers in Bhopal hope for better sales on Dussehra this year

Bhopal artisans prepare Ravana effigies for Dussehra, hoping for better sales after last year's rain losses. 10-foot effigies priced at ₹5,000 with slim profit margins.

"Last year, we suffered heavy losses due to rains, this year we are hoping for better sales - Balram Bansal"

Bhopal, October 1

As the Dussehra festival approaches, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad are being sold at markets in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal, keeping alive the year-old tradition of effigy burning.

A huge number of effigies have been prepared in the Baskhedi area of Shahpura and TT Nagar area in the state capital Bhopal. The artisans have prepared these effigies after months of hard work and hope to get better sales this year.

Effigy maker Balram Bansal said, "A 10-foot effigy of Ravana is priced at Rs 5,000. Out of which, it costs approximately Rs 4,000 rupees in making and only about Rs 1,000 remains as profit. Last year, we suffered heavy losses due to rains, this year we are hoping for better sales. If it rains again, the paper effigies get damaged and sales collapse."

Another artisan, Lalaram, said that the overall cost of making effigies for the season ranges from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000. If the market is good, sales can touch Rs 1 lakh. But this year the situation is weak, the demand is a bit low. An effigy which earlier sold for Rs 10,000 is now being sold for Rs 5,000 just to recover the making costs.

Artisans further said that unseasonal rains not only ruin the paper but also reduce the demand that hits their earnings hard. Nonetheless, they are quite hopeful to receive better sales of effigies this year.

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals in India and it will be celebrated on October 2 this year. It marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated in diverse ways across the country. It commemorates Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of truth and righteousness over arrogance and evil. Effigy burning of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran is a popular tradition in many parts of India.

The festival also inspires people to conquer their inner evils like anger, greed, pride, and jealousy, and to uphold the values of truth, virtue, and righteousness.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
These artisans are keeping our traditions alive. The effort that goes into making these effigies is incredible. Hope they get good weather and better sales this year! 🎯
R
Rohit P
Only Rs 1000 profit on a Rs 5000 effigy? That's barely enough to survive. We need government support for these traditional artists. They're preserving our culture!
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the tradition, I wonder if we could find more eco-friendly alternatives to paper effigies that get damaged in rain. Just a thought for preserving both tradition and environment.
V
Vikram M
My colony is planning to buy a big Ravana effigy this year. After reading this, I'll make sure we pay a fair price to the artisans. They deserve it for their hard work! 💪
K
Kavya N
The real meaning of Dussehra is conquering our inner demons. While the effigy burning is symbolic, let's not forget the spiritual message behind the festival. Wishing everyone a happy Dussehra! ✨

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