Delhi's Dussehra: Beyond Traditional Ravana

In the weeks leading up to Dussehra on October 20, 2026, Delhi's artisans are creating a diverse range of Ravana effigies. Sonu Kumar, a tandoor business owner, dedicates two months to crafting traditional Ravana figures, even exporting them to Australia with specialized synthetic hair mustaches. His work involves meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the effigy's appearance reflects its character.

Meanwhile, a new trend of bodybuilder-themed Ravana effigies is gaining popularity, particularly in areas like Tagore Garden. Shaurya Tanwar, a Delhi University student, creates these muscular versions with his father. These larger, more elaborate effigies require significantly more materials, with a 20-foot bodybuilder Ravana needing five bamboo poles compared to two for a standard one.

However, recent heavy rains before Dussehra have caused significant damage to effigies, resulting in double the effort and expense for artisans. Vijender Kumar, who has been making effigies for nearly 40 years, described the situation as operating at a no-profit level due to the unexpected costs. Artisans are committed to fulfilling existing bookings despite these setbacks.

Despite some unique creations like a cockroach effigy in Pitampura, many artisans are sticking to traditional designs. Bala from Bala Bhai Ravan Wala is creating 50-foot Ravana figures, with mustaches as large as a floor. These large-scale effigies, made by teams over five days, are destined for various locations within Delhi and are also sent to Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.