Muslim craftsmen transcend religious barriers

Muslim craftsmen from Mathura and Agra in Uttar Pradesh are currently in Gujarat, busy giving finishing touches to the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad to be burnt on Dashera day on Monday marking the victory of Hindu goddess Durga over the evils.

Sharafat Ali from Mathura said they have been making the statues for the past many years as it is a source of livelihood. They visit various cities in Gujarat well in advance to ensure that they complete the work on these effigies before the festival of Dussehra. The effigies cost a minimum of Rs50,000. The skill of the craftsmen is not only in making an effigy but stuffing explosives inside as they are meant to be burnt on the Dashera day.

"We take special care with regard to the explosives that are stuffed inside an effigy to avoid any mishap," Sharafat Ali said. "This festival gives us an opportunity to display our skill. It has no religious barriers. It is a festival of national integrity," he said.
An office-bearer of Vishwa

Hindu Parishad at Palanpur conceded that the effigies were being made by Muslim craftsmen.Meanwhile, various cities in Gujarat are gearing up for Dashera on Monday.