Delhi's Titarpur: Where Ravana efigies come to life

Tatarpur or Titarpur is a Delhi urban village on the Nafafgarh road, situated right next to the famous cluster of 'band baaja wallahs' of Rajouri. Throughout the year, hardly anything noteworthy occurs, but the road and its adjoining streets transform into a market of the 'Demon King' right after Raksha Bandhan during the Sawan month.

During the months of Sawan, Bhaado, and Ashwin, the place comes to life with at least 40 Ravan wallahs (artisans) taking orders and crafting Ravana effigies for their customers, ranging from larger-than-life 50-foot effigies to tiny ones for kids.

And it's not just Ravan; you'll also find Meghnads and Kumbhakarans here.

Legacy

• For decades, Tatarpur Village has proudly borne the title of Asia's largest Ravana effigy market.
• It's a place where skilled artisans, laborers, and carpenters gather to create the iconic symbol of evil, Ravana, and his wicked cohorts.
• It's a khaandaani (family) business, as the old-timers like to say, with many families deeply involved.

How are they made?

• The primary skeleton or frame of the effigies is constructed with straight and bent bamboo sticks, joined together using thin iron wires.
• Several layers of paper are then applied to cover the frame.
• Next, they are colored as per customer requirements.
• Larger effigies are adorned with ornamentations and mustaches after assembly.
• The final step involves placing fireworks inside the hollow effigies for the grand finale.

According to a Kisan Tak report, the bamboo and paper used to make these effigies are procured from Assam and Japan respectively.

The 'Ravanas'

• Effigies available for purchase here vary in size, ranging from small 1-2-foot ones to colossal 40-50-foot creations.
• Organising committees often need to order months in advance to secure one of the larger effigies.
• Prices for the effigies start at Rs 200 to 500 and can go up to Rs 20,000 and beyond.

The market not only attracts customers from Delhi NCR but also from adjoining cities in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh who come to Titarpur for their Ravan needs.

All isn't well

However, all is not well with the business.

• According to the Kisan Tak report, the industry has been facing several issues of late, including inflation and reduced margins on sales.
• The ban on firecrackers and fireworks in Delhi has significantly impacted the demand for effigies as well.
• Some makers also struggle with a shortage of artisans as many are seeking other means of livelihood due to lower pay.

ALSO READ: Be careful of trans fats this festive season