Serving city’s oldest Ramlila from three generations

Prayagraj: With Dussehra approaching Nisar Ahmed, now 65, is busy crafting effigies of the prominent Ramlila characters for the Patharchatti Ramlila committee, the city's oldest Ramlila. A resident of the Chowk area, Nisar also prepares Tazias for Muharram. But ahead of the Dussehra, he leaves all other work to make the effigies of the demon king Ravan, and other Ramayana characters including Sursa, Kumbhakaran and Goddess Sita, as he enjoys this work the most.He loves to call himself and his family true Ram Bhakts (devotees of Lord Ram) as they feel inner satisfaction in shaping small and giant effigies for Ramlila. "This is my third generation associated with Ramlila effigy making," said Nisar, adding, "I have been making effigies for Patharchatti Ramlila for the past 22 years.""I started helping my father Basir Ahmed in preparing and decorating effigies for Ramlila when I was just 12 years old," recalled Nisar, adding, "My grandfather Ali Hussain too was involved in this work.""Preparing effigies of Ramlila characters is very fascinating and inspiring. Even after working for the past 22 years, guided by the spirit of composite culture, I continue to do the job with the same enthusiasm. This year, apart from small effigies of Ravan and Sursa, I am also making a 25-ft effigy of Kumbhakaran using waste paper, fibre, ply and iron framework," he says. "It takes at least one month to shape the effigies."Nisar shares, "I earlier worked as a painter with 4PAC, Dhoomanganj for a brief period, but then I realised that I was made for some thing different. It was then that I decided to dedicate my entire life to Ramlila and want to serve it till my last breath," said Nisar. While working on the effigy of Kumbhakaran, Nisar said, "A dedicated team of five members is now working overtime to prepare and colour all the effigies before October 9." His work involves making life-size effigies of deities, Ravan's chariot, and weapons like gada (mace), bow and arrow, and swords. Even at this age, the master craftsman does his work as skilfully as in his youth. Nisar also prepares Tazias for Muharram. "This is my ancestral work," he said ."Nisar's journey with the city's oldest Ramlila is incredible as he has been preparing effigies for the committee since childhood," said an office bearer of Patharchatti Ramlila committee. Nisar is also responsible for their yearly maintenance.
Explore the yearly horoscope 2025 for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes, messages and quotes.