Bhubaneswar: A family of an artisan in Old Town in Bhubaneswar has been busy in giving final touches to the effigies of Ravana and his brothers as the demon king is about to go up in flames on Vijaya Dashami tomorrow.
Raj Kishore Mahapatra and his family have been making the idols for ‘Ravana Podi Utsav’ since the last 30 years to eke out a living.
“We have been making effigies since the last 30 years and this is the source of income for my family," said Rajkishore while giving a final touch to the bulging eyes of demon king Ravana. He further informed that they have started making the effigies only a month ago.
This year, Mahapatra’s family has received orders for Ravana idols from Bhubaneswar, Puri, Jatani and other places.
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While some members of his family is busy in giving finishing colour to the idols of demon king Ravana and his brothers Meghnad and Kumbhakarana, others are busy in making glue to be used in tying the effigies.
The artisan family have prepared effigies ranging from 60 to 80 feet which costs around Rs 15,000 to 25,000.
“We have been into the profession since last thirty years. We are also engaged in painting temple, toy making, pattachitra making and other handicraft works,” said Rajkishore’s wife, Sobharani Mahapatra.
“Our forefathers were into this profession and now we are also doing the same. As orders are placed in bulk during Dussehra, I help my parents to make the idols,” said Rashmita Mahapatra, daughter of Rajkishore.