Hundreds of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad have lined pavements between Rajouri Garden and Tagore Garden for Dussehra, even as recent rains caused delays and financial losses for artisans dependent on the seasonal trade.The effigies range from 1 foot to 50 feet. Alongside traditional 10-headed figures, artisans have created versions of Ravana with six-pack abs, riding a motorbike, perched on a dragon, driving a car or seated on a throne.Artisans were making last-minute adjustments with one day left before the festival, while trucks were being loaded with the colourful structures.Sandeep, an artisan from Chittorgarh who had worked for the past month, lost 30 effigies measuring between 15 feet and 25 feet because of rain. Each had an average production cost of Rs 7,000.Akash, from nearby Raghubir Nagar, reported water damage to 16 effigies measuring between 20 feet and 35 feet, resulting in a loss of about Rs 1,000 on each piece.The artisans could recover some losses through last-minute bargaining, but also faced the physical strain of repairing damaged work and meeting the festival deadline.
