Muslim family in Rajasthan preserves Dussehra effigy‑making tradition

A Muslim family based in Rajasthan has kept alive the art of creating large effigies that are burnt during Dussehra, a festival that marks the victory of good over evil. The family, whose involvement spans several decades, prepares the figures each year using bamboo, papier‑mâché and traditional paints, a process that begins weeks before the festival. Their work is displayed in local neighbourhoods and draws curious onlookers from different communities.\n\nThe family's dedication to the craft reflects a broader pattern of inter‑faith participation in Indian festivals, where people of varied faiths contribute to shared cultural rituals. Local residents have praised the family's commitment, noting that the effigies add colour and excitement to the celebrations while reinforcing a message of unity.\n\nBy continuing this tradition, the family not only preserves a unique skill but also sends a powerful signal that cultural heritage transcends religious boundaries, reinforcing the secular fabric of the region.