Ravana effigy makers paste the papers on bamboo stick structure in Titarpur, New Delhi

From the archive record

The parts of Ravana effigy kept in an open area in Titarpur area of New Delhi. Ravana effigy makers paste the black paper over the bamboo stick structure while another person pastes the gum on the papers. These effigies are being prepared for the festival of Dussehra. The streets of Titarpur in West Delhi are lined with tall, intricately-woven bamboo frames, and gigantic heads of Ravana made using papier-mache. Artisans are seen peeling bamboo, using its wicker to make the skeleton of the "demon king". But on Dussehra, when the whole country revels as these effigies are burnt, gloom descends on Titarpur. Being one of the largest effigy markets in the country with a 40-year-old history, Titarpur worships Ravana. Indebted to their hero, the craftsmen here believe that he is a source of their